Hi colinpost,
I'd skim it first just to make it easier to trowel up. Seems quite a large hole, so be carefull when cutting look out for joist and nogins plus any cable or piping.
Good Luck
KB
i agree with your train of thought. As for cutting out, i've made reference to were exactly the hole is to be - so avoiding known joists. i was just woried that the plaster saw would shatter/crack the new surrounding ceiling skim plaster.
the plaster shouldn't shatter or crack if it has been applied properly. use a good sharp hole saw (won't stay sharp for long if you are drilling through plaster all the time!) and go easy. should be no problems. i agree with kbrownie - skim first it will make for a tidier job.