Kathleen Skifjell

I am a friendly, hardworking, and down-to-earth hospitality all-rounder with a real love for Scottish island life. Over the years, after leaving catering college, I have worked in a bit of everything—from turning over beautiful hotel rooms, helping out in the busy bars, cooking in the kitchens and managing large events. I am calm under pressure, practical, and truly enjoy being part of a small team where everyone rolls up their sleeves to help.

I have plenty of stamina for the physical side of housekeeping, a welcoming attitude for guests at the bar, and I am fully ready for a live-in seasonal role back on the islands.

Seasonal Event & Hospitality Support - Hamilton Cheesecakes & Diamond Wedding Services - Scotland

(2024-05)

• Helped set up and deliver beautiful dessert displays and front-of-house service for weddings and big events across Scotland.
• Handled the fast pace, packing, transport, and tight schedules with a calm and organized approach.
• Proved my reliability during a busy weekend with sudden staff shortages, working from 5:00 AM to midnight to make sure a 600-guest wedding at the Turnberry Hotel went off without a hitch.

Estate Housekeeping & Support (Seasonal) - Racehorse Training Stable - Florida, USA

(2024-11 - 2025-03)

• Looked after general housekeeping, deep cleaning, and daily upkeep to keep a busy high prestige office and kitchen looking pristine for residents and visitors.
• Pitched in wherever needed, including light gardening and organizing daily meals and home baking for the onsite team.

Domestic, Cooking & Hygiene Roles - Various Care, Rehab & Clinical Facilities - Norway

(2010-01 - 2019-12)

• Rehabilitation Centre (2010–2015): Ran a small kitchen completely on my own. I looked after all the daily domestic routines, room tidying, meal planning, and baking for up to 50 residents and families on tight budgets.
• Care Home & Hospital Teams (2015–2019): Worked in busy, structured team environments where strict cleanliness, infection control, and care for residents' comfort were the top priorities.

Chef & Buffet Presentation Lead - Offshore Installation (Norwegian Sector) - Norwegian Sector

(1990-01 - 1990-12)

• Worked 12-hour shifts in a busy offshore environment, which built up my excellent physical stamina and teamwork.
• Took charge of the cold buffet section, focusing on high-quality visual setup, strict food safety, and keeping everything immaculate.

General Assistant & Hospitality All-Rounder - McDonald Arms Hotel & Western Isles Hotels - Isle of Mull & Isle of Lewis / Stornoway

Started my career as an assistant cook straight out of college, learning the ins and outs of traditional Scottish island hospitality, welcoming tourists and locals alike.

• Gained brilliant experience by moving between departments whenever needed—doing morning room changeovers, setting up dining rooms, and working busy bar and restaurant shifts.
• Happily stepped up to take on more responsibility, helping with stock management, supervising shifts, and making sure guests had a memorable stay.

Restaurant Assistant - Traditional Tapas Establishment - Majorca, Spain

• Provided cheerful and fast-paced front-of-house service in a busy tourist spot, where I also picked up conversational Spanish.

Homestead Management & Farm Life - Self-Employed - Norway

(1991-01 - 2000-12)

Spent a decade raising my family and keeping a working family farm running smoothly, which taught me endless practical problem-solving and a strong work ethic.

City & Guilds 2-Year General Catering Course - Catering - Falkirk College of Technology