taste the true north tourism DIRECTORY

Transcription

1 taste the true north tourism DIRECTORY

2 COnTEnTs GettinG here and around 2 WiCk and thurso 4 history 6 the Great outdoors 8 the environment 10 Food and drink 12 Visitor attractions 14 accommodation 20

3 tourism DIRECTORY 1 WElCOmE Caithness and north sutherland, the most northerly region on the British mainland, is packed with visitor interest and variety. deserted white sand beaches, sandstone cliffs and offshore stacks, rare wildlife and teeming seabird colonies, plus the vast, rolling green of the Flow Country all combine to create a spectacular natural environment. add to this a rich history and culture, sporting thrills that include some of the best cold water surfing in the world, and ancient fishing communities dotted along the coast. Caithness and north sutherland, from its ancient castles and paleontological finds, to the herring boom harbours, rare wildlife and the exciting maritime history of the Pentland Firth, has an exciting and unique story to discover!

4 2 tourism DIRECTORY Getting Here however you choose to travel, getting to Caithness and north sutherland is a fantastic experience, with excellent links to the rest of scotland by road, rail and air. if you re travelling by road, the a9 runs right up from Perth in the south to scrabster on the shores of the Pentland Firth. For much of the distance from inverness northwards, the a9 offers unrivalled coastal views and provides plenty of opportunities for rest stops in historic and beautiful towns and villages. as well as breath-taking views of golden sands, imposing cliffs and the potent majesty of the north sea, travelling via the a9 offers your first chance to catch a glimpse of the local wildlife, with seals often found basking on rocks just metres from the road and buzzards, terns and sparrowhawks to be seen soaring through the wide open skies. if you don t fancy driving, why not take the stress out of your journey by travelling in style from london to inverness on the Caledonian sleeper, then kicking back and relaxing on the Far north line, recently rated by the Guardian as one of Britain s most scenic rail journeys. this astonishing route takes you through some of the most remote and unique landscapes in the country, including the famous Flow Country a rolling expanse of rugged peatland offering scenic views unlike anything else in Britain. Perhaps flying s more your style? Wick John o Groats airport has daily flights to and from aberdeen and edinburgh, and with london City airport offering connecting flights, you can go from being in the heart of london to the most northerly tip of the highlands faster than you ever thought possible. TRanspORT UsEfUl links Eastern airways: Europcar: investcaithness/en/home/ flybe: Highlands and Islands airports: scotrail: stagecoach Highlands:

5 tourism DIRECTORY 3 Getting around Getting around Caithness couldn t be easier, thanks to its excellent road links and public transport network. regular bus and train services connect Wick and thurso, the two main population centres, and services are also available to many of the outlying villages and hamlets. if you prefer the freedom of driving but don t fancy bringing your own car, europcar provide a hire station at Wick John o Groats airport. however you choose to travel, you ll have no shortage of opportunities to explore the beautiful landscapes and rich heritage of this unique region. From the unspoilt golden sands of reiss Beach, neolithic stone monuments at Camster Cairns and the most northerly point in the uk at John o Groats all this and much more is within easy travelling distance. during the summer months, a number of coastal cruises operate from Wick harbour, offering you the chance to see Caithness from a different angle. take a tour down the coast to the picturesque village of lybster, taking in historic castles and lighthouses, visiting sea caves and stacks and getting a chance to see local bird colonies, seals and maybe even whales and dolphins. Caithness also offers a range of excellent walking and cycling routes suitable for all levels of ability. take a gentle stroll around Wick following the telford trail and learning about the history of the town, or hike from staxigoe to noss head, taking in noss head lighthouse and the historic Castle sinclair Girnigoe. From Caithness, it s just a short hop across the Pentland Firth to the orkney islands. With many local operators offering guided tours and excursions, you ll have a rare opportunity to take in the unique history and culture of the orkneys and still be back at your hotel in time for dinner. Whatever you choose to do and however you choose to get there, travelling in Caithness promises to be a fast, stress free experience.

6 4 tourism DIRECTORY Photographs left to right: Pulteney distillery, Wick. Caithness horizons, thurso. thurso Bridge. Bridge street, Wick.

7 tourism DIRECTORY 5 WICk Wick, from the norse vik, meaning bay, is Caithness official heritage town, and is at least as old as the days of norwegian rule in the region, which ended in 1266 with the treaty of Perth. key visitor interest zones include old Pulteneytown, the historic fishing quarter designed by legendary engineer thomas telford, two 12th century castles and an historic malt whisky distillery. Visitors interested in genealogy can visit the Carnegie library; lurking amongst the extensive local archive materials is a preserved crocodile, donated in 1909! the Wick heritage Centre is a remarkable collection of local memorabilia. over 60,000 photographs and paintings combine with displays of the herring boom years, and even a restored fishing boat, the isabella Fortuna, housed in the old boat shed. Much of Wick s past centres on the fishing industry, particularly the herring boom of the 19th century, which saw Pulteneytown, south of the river, rise to become the herring capital of europe. today, visitors can explore the historic fishing quarter, now the subject of a major restoration project, by walking down the Blackstairs, an old, recently rebuilt conduit between the working lower town and the residential upper town. Castle sinclair Girnigoe is the only scottish castle to hold World Monument status; a spectacular ruin built straight into the seacliffs five miles north of Wick, the site is a must-see for enthusiasts. July visitors can witness the Gala Queen Ceremony, one of the largest pageants of its kind in europe. this is a throwback to the herring Queen ceremony, inaugurated in 1937 and apparently inspired by the coronation of king George Vi. the old Pulteney Whisky distillery, established in 1826, is sited here; its 21-year-old single malt named the best whisky in the world in Jim Murray s 2012 Whisky Bible. THURsO surrounded by Bronze age and iron age ruins, Pictish stones, a nuclear power plant and a surfing Mecca, thurso is a town with roots in ancient history and its eyes fixed firmly on the future. From the norse word thjorsa, meaning Bull s river, thurso is the most northerly town on the British mainland and is the site of its most northerly railway station. From its roots as an important norse port, the town enjoyed a lively trade with ports throughout northern europe right up to the 19th century. thurso, long dubbed Caithness s energy town, has had strong associations with the dounreay nuclear power plant since the mid-1950s, now undergoing the lengthy decommissioning process. the town s position on the Pentland Firth also puts it at the centre of the burgeoning marine renewable energy industry. Visitors to thurso can explore the Viking past and get a feel for the inside of a nuclear reactor at the cutting edge Caithness horizons Museum a showcase of everything that s important to the region, from Pictish standing stones to the robert dick Collection an outstanding contribution from a 19th century herbologist who amassed a near-complete collection of Caithness mosses, ferns and flowering plants. other visitor attractions within easy reach include Glass Creations, a renowned glass-blowing studio, the swanson Gallery, and Cocoa Mountain, an unmissable destination for lovers of all things chocolate. set on the coastline of the Pentland Firth, with the Flow Country inland and the stormy stretch of water that separates the mainland from orkney, thurso is now one of the cold water surfing capitals of the world, the power of the waves standing comparison with such classic surfing destinations as hawaii and California.

8 6 tourism DIRECTORY HIsTORY Caithness, once part of the combined kingdom of norway and denmark, has a history of human occupation stretching back to the days of norse rule, the Vikings and Picts. Before them, there was a healthy prehistoric population, who were busy building the largest concentration of brochs per square mile in all of scotland, impressive forts, chambered cairns, standing stones and homesteads. in all, it is estimated that there are some 4000 prehistoric sites in the region, including over 100 brochs. the broch is a structure peculiar to the highlands and some parts of northern europe, and is thought to have been a defensive structure designed to protect communities under attack.

9 tourism DIRECTORY 7 one of the most striking examples of early iron age construction is Ben Freicadain, the most northerly fort in Britain, with 12ft thick walls. at 470ft wide and 900ft long, it must have been a formidable stronghold in its heyday. life in Caithness began long before humans arrived on the scene. achanarras Quarry is a paleontological site of international significance, with a unique reserve of fossil fish from the devonian period, c.380 million years ago. to date, over 15 species have been discovered, from small shoal fish to a 1m predator, Glyptoleis. it is thought that adverse environmental changes precipitated the mass mortalities. in the mid-19th century, a thurso baker, robert dick, became an important figure on the botanical, geological and palaeontology scene. rising at 5am every morning to run his bakery, he would then set off on specimen collecting trips, one of which entailed a 24-hour walk there and back! he was entirely self-taught and is chiefly remembered for his herbarium of over 200 mosses, ferns and flowering plants, now in the Caithness horizons museum. For visitors, castles are one of the most fascinating and romantic glimpses into the past, and the Caithness landscape is peppered with an array of ancient ruins and complete structures that have survived the centuries. Chief among the ruins is sinclair Girnigoe, just north of Wick, a remarkable mediaeval fortress built straight onto a cliff, and the only castle in scotland to have World Monument status. dunbeath Castle, off the a9, offers a spectacular setting on a cliff-top promontory jutting out to sea, and is still occupied. the Castle of Mey, dating from the 16th century, offers one of the most charming modern histories in Caithness. as well as major historic sites, and key collections such as those at the Caithness horizons museum in thurso, and the Wick heritage Centre, there are dozens of smaller places offering glimpses into the past. From Mary-ann s Cottage, an almost perfect example of crofting lifestyle prior to mechanisation, to the dunbeath heritage centre, visitors can discover a wealth of information, browse old photograph collections and see Caithness as it was seen by previous generations. during the clearances of the 18th and 19th centuries, the people of Caithness, along with the rest of the highlands, endured forced emigrations to Canada, new Zealand, america and australia. a monument at Badbea commemorates the suffering of local families during these hard times. Many died from disease during the long sea voyages, or from heartbreak at being torn from their homeland; the survivors went on to make their contributions to their new worlds, and continued their family lines. each year, thousands of visitors come to Caithness to learn about their family history and scottish ancestry. anyone with an interest in genealogy can dig for old family roots at the Wick Family archive, or at the visitor centres for Clan Gunn and Clan sinclair. Photographs left to right: Whaligoe steps, lybster. Castle of Mey,. Castle sinclair Girnigoe. Caithness horizon Centre, thurso. Castlehill, Castletown.

10 8 tourism DIRECTORY THE GREaT OUTDOORs Photographs left to right: Yarrows archaeology trail. one of the many walking and cycling trails in the region. sea kayaking at duncansby stacks. Beach near John o Groats. landward From the rolling green vastness of the Flow Country, to the heather-clad slopes of the hills, the dark mirrors of moorland lochs and the dramatic cliff-edged coastline, there are plenty of opportunities to indulge in physical activity of every sort at whatever adrenaline level! Walking offers plenty of variety, from woodland paths to tough trails over rough hill country. the white sand beaches and cliff-top paths are perfect for taking the bracing sea air and indulging in a spot of whale or dolphin watching. the gently undulating expanse of the Flow Country makes for leisurely cycling routes, and there are tranquil forest tracks to explore through ancient woodland. Cyclists looking to burn serious rubber can try out the testing mountain bike circuits in spectacular surrounds for the ultimate thrill. deer stalking or grouse shooting is available in the hills, courtesy of country estates, plus the opportunity to bird-watch or take a wildlife safari. the remote hill lochs are special places for anglers to fish for wild brown trout, while salmon and sea trout run in the region s many rivers. the prospect of spotting wildlife such as deer, otter and golden eagle adds to the enjoyment of a day at large in the open air. Country walks, golf or pony trekking, exploring prehistoric ruins or a castle there s so much on offer beneath the rolling skies!

11 tourism DIRECTORY 9 seaward Bound by the north sea to the east and the Pentland Firth to the north, Caithness and north sutherland has miles of exhilarating coastline to explore, and the opportunity to test skills above and below the surface. sailing and rib rides out in the open water, offer spectacular views of the cliffs and outlying stacks with their seabird colonies. Many paddlers have described the coastline as a 'hidden gem' and sea kayaking is a great way to explore the inlets and sea caves cut into the sandstone cliffs, while surf kayaking pits wits against some of the strongest wave surges in europe. diving in the clear, pristine marine waters is an unmissable treat. at a more leisurely pace, there are cruises to spot sea mammals seals, porpoise, dolphins and Minke whales are all likely, and perhaps orca will appear on a very good day! the Caithness waters offer one of the best locations in europe for sea-angling, where there s a good chance of landing an enormous variety of white fish, as well as mackerel and herring. top of the water sports list for many people is surfing along the northern shore, where the powerful waves of the Pentland Firth thunder onto the beaches and give surfers the cold water thrills and challenges of a lifetime. thurso is now an established venue for one of the asp qualifying competitions, and the Pentland Firth waves pack as much power as their more famous sisters in California and hawaii!

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13 tourism DIRECTORY 11 THE EnvIROnmEnT the region offers a rich mix of landscapes, dominated by the Flow Country, one of the largest single expanses of blanket bog in the world. this is home to a great variety of rare flora, such as the bogbean and bog myrtle, and is a habitat of international importance for birds including the golden plover, greenshank, hen harrier, dipper and dunlin. in the autumn, migrating geese cut distinctive V-shapes across the wide skies. the varied environments inland are easily matched by the coastline and ocean waters that surround much of the region, which is fringed by sheer sandstone cliffs carved by wind and sea over thousands of years. Beachcombing on the dazzling white sand beaches or strolling the cliff-top paths while gazing out to sea are unparalleled pleasures in such pristine surroundings. Wanderers can keep an eye out for rare orchids and the tiny scottish primrose near the cliffs and coast. the offshore rock pillars of Caithness, such as the famous duncansby stacks, are famous for the teeming seabird colonies that throng the skies and nest on the cliff sides in spring and early summer. several wildlife cruises are available, giving visitors the unmissable chance to see seals, porpoise, whales and dolphin in their native habitat. Caithness hidden harbours are worth discovering, too at lybster, which became a significant herring port, and Whaligoe, where the famous 330 steps plunge down steep-sided cliffs to a tiny, narrow inlet, famously rejected as a harbour site by engineer thomas telford. a local man refused to be daunted, however, paid 8 for the stone slabs and created the staircase, which makes an unforgettable trip for the hardy visitor! legend has it that he carried a slab every working day for a year, and laid it before going to sea, until he had reached the bottom. it was the women who every day bore the catch up the hill on their backs then walked the 8 miles to Wick to sell it! dunnet head is the most northerly point of the British mainland, and John o Groats the most north-easterly point, where the smooth waves of the Flow Country roll down towards the sea and come to an abrupt stop at the plunging cliff edges. in autumn and winter, the dark skies make the perfect backdrop for watching one of nature s most beguiling sights the northern lights, or aurora Borealis. the region offers clean air, pure light and clear waters a trio of land, sea and sky. Photographs left to right: duncansby stacks. loch Watten. Castle of Mey Gardens. dunbeath strath.

14 12 tourism DIRECTORY food and DRInk eating out in the region whether dining in style, or picnicking in the great outdoors is a gastronomic delight based on peerless natural ingredients and fresh local produce. Visitors will discover great restaurants, imaginative bar snacks and pub meals, plus high quality bakers and speciality producers of dairy products and highland cheeses, fruit and vegetables. the pristine natural environment with its lush green pastures contributes to the unique flavours of tender, grass-fed beef and lamb, while the heather-clad hill slopes feed the deer, grouse, woodcock and partridge brought in from the highland estates. offshore, the clear, cold waters of the marine environment deliver up excellent seafood our lobster and scallops, crab, prawns, mussels and langoustine are sought out by gourmets across the world. the Caithness seafood platter is on offer at restaurants across the region, including the award-winning Captain s Galley at scrabster. While the region has developed a modern cuisine drawing on its meat, game and fish, and the abundant salad leaves, fresh herbs, soft fruits and vegetables grown by local producers, it still pays tribute to a strong legacy of traditional scottish dishes. Porridge for breakfast, scotch broth for lunch, and a wealth of baking treats such as bannocks and bridies, fruit cake, scones and pancakes to grace the high tea table. the award-winning baking delights of reid s of Caithness are not to be missed this is a great place to stock up on freshlybaked breads, sandwiches and cakes when planning a picnic or on a self-catering holiday! the Caithness table would not be complete without a dram to finish the meal; many bars and restaurants offer excellent collections of single malt whiskies, each different to the next. old Pulteney single malt, produced in historic lower Pulteneytown at Wick harbour, has been named the world s best whisky, so well-worth seeking out. if chocolate is a passion, a visit to Cocoa Mountain in north sutherland is a must, where the decadent delight of real hot chocolate can be sampled and a wide selection of chocolates that are exported all over the world can be bought. superb seafood, meat and game, peerless rasperries and strawberries, fresh highland cheeses, excellent baking and fine whiskies in short, the Caithness larder is bursting with good things visitors can look forward to feeling hungry after a day at large in the fresh air!

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17 tourism DIRECTORY 15 visitor attractions Caithness and north sutherland is an area rich in history, with a past stretching back to the time of the dinosaurs, and a legacy of human habitation spanning 10,000 years. it s also full of scenic variety; along the coast, there are spectacular stretches of white sand beaches, and dizzying red sandstone cliffs fringing the Pentland Firth and north sea. inland, the green expanses of the Flow Country are internationally important habitats for many rare birds. the two main towns of the region each have a distinct character. Wick, on the east coast, has a heritage forged in the heyday of the herring boom in the 18th and 19th centuries, and visitors can wander through old Pulteneytown, visit the distillery that produces the world s best whisky*, and admire the planning genius of thomas telford, who built the harbour town. thurso, overlooking orkney, is the region s energy town, with associations over 50 years old with the dounreay nuclear power plant, and a developing reputation as the world s cold water surfing capital. throughout the region, visitors can enjoy a wide range of visitor attractions, from golf courses to family history centres, from ancient Pictish burial grounds to ruined castles, from birdwatching at rspb Forsinard to climbing the Whaligoe steps, from discovering the Queen Mother s private retreat, the Castle of Mey, to discovering what life was like in an 18th century crofters cottage. With dozens of small shops offering everything from high quality local food and whisky to original clothing, jewellery and arts and crafts, this stunning natural environment ensures that visitors are never short of things to do in this unique and exciting area! Photographs left to right: Wick heritage Centre. Clan Gunn Centre, latheron. Wick harbour Marina. statue at dunbeath heritage Centre. dunnet head lighthouse. * old Pulteney 21-year old single malt, voted the best whisky in the world in Jim Murray s 2012 Whisky Bible.

18 16 tourism DIRECTORY Visitor attractions Cape Wrath Durness 28 Ferry to Cape Wrath Skerray A838 Bet A836 Tongue Kinlochbervie Borgie Castle Varrich Rhiconich Laxford Bridge A836 Dun Dornaigil broch Scourie Syre A894 Rosal Trail Altnaharra A894 Kylesku Kerrecher Ferry Assynt A Lochinver Heronry A838 Ardvreck Castle Lochinver Inchnadamph NNR A Ledmore Lairg Knockan 30 Gunn s Wood Rosehall Ferry Wood Trails A835 Knockan Crag NNR A837 A839 Ord Hill A839 Achany Ravens Rock Balblair Carbisdale Bonar Bridge Ullapool Ardgay A836

19 17 21 Loch of Mey bird hide Dunnet Head John O Groats Duncansby Head 22 Mey Scrabster A9 Thurso A A99 Castletown Reay 17 Auckengill Lyth Strathy Melvich Dounreay A836 Dunnet A Achvarasdal Woodland Trail ttyhill Halkirk 16 Noss Head Achanlochy Clearance Village Achanarras Watten 26 A897 Wick Newtonhill Community Woodland Achnavanich Stone Setting Castle of Old Wick Yarrows Arch. Trail Hill o Many Stanes 27 A Forsinard Cairn of Get A99 Rumster Lybster 8 Latheron 6 7 Dunbeath Kinbrace 5 key TO symbols Berriedale A9 A Visitor attraction (no. archaeological site relates to text entry) tourist information Centre Helmsdale 4 Castle Whisky distillery Museum/ heritage centre Forest with walks Geological site Brora 3 32 A9 Golspie 2 Skelbo Dornoch 1 Camore A9 Tain Flora & fauna (Countryside ranger service scottish natural heritage or national nature reserve) rspb reserve or birdwatching site with hide airport local Ferry surfing

20 18 tourism DIRECTORY 1 Historylinks museum, Dornoch enjoy the history of dornoch including the Vikings, Cathedral, feuding clans, scotland s last witch, golf and the railway. Many unique films and slide shows. there is much to involve children. Open april, may and October. monday to friday. Open 7 days June to september. 10am to 4pm. Tel: Orcadian stone shop, Golspie enjoy our wonderful display of minerals, crystals and fossils the largest private collection in scotland. Buy gemstone jewellery, mineral specimens, fossils, stone giftware, geological maps and books. Open Easter to October monday to saturday 9am to 5.30pm. Tel: Dunrobin Castle, Golspie dunrobin Castle dates from 1400 and contains magnificent displays of furniture, paintings and family silver. Falconry displays and natural history museum. Formal gardens, tearooms and gift shop. Open daily from 1 april to 15 October monday to saturday 10.30am to 4.30pm, sunday 12noon to 4.30pm. During June, July and august open daily 10.30am to 5.30pm. Tel: Timespan Heritage & arts Centre, Helmsdale explore the history of east sutherland by visiting this fascinating museum and arts centre. regularly changing heritage and visual arts exhibitions. Quality local art and craft shop. relax in the riverside cafe. monday to saturday 10am to 5pm. sunday 12pm to 5pm. Tel: Dunbeath Heritage Centre explore the rich past of a Caithness strath. neil M. Gunn s highland river and silver darlings landscape. local history, guided walks, art installations and archaeology exhibition. Bookshop. Open sunday to friday 10am to 5pm april to september. monday to friday 11am to 3pm October to march. Tel: Clan Gunn museum, latheron Follow one of scotland s oldest clans from its norse origins to the present day, its skirmishes with other local clans and the scotsmen who discovered america before Columbus. Video presentation, clan archive and shop. Open daily June to september. 11am to 1pm/2pm to 4pm. Tel: northshore pottery and patricia niemann Jewellery, latheron studio and showroom shared by Jenny Mackenzie ross, potter and sculptor, and Patricia niemann, goldsmith and designer. one-off items of stoneware, porcelain, fine jewellery, glass and textiles made on site. Open march to December Wednesday to saturday 10am to 5pm. Tel: Waterlines visitor Centre, lybster lybster s history as scotland s third largest herring port and the natural history of the area. Video and live tv of nesting bird colonies. Facilities for yachtsmen. Coffee shop. Open daily may to september 11am to 5pm. Tel: Yarrows archaeological Trail the two horned cairns known respectively as south Yarrows south and south Yarrows north are located on a ridge overlooking the loch of Yarrows and form part of the Yarrows archaeological trail. three chambered cairns known as Warehouse north, south and east can be seen on the ridge to the south of the loch. a fine example of a broch (iron age tower) stands on the lochside, and a number of Bronze age hut circles are visible along the trail. 10 Thrumster station thrumster station on former Wick- lybster light railway with picnic area and walks to woodland and archaeology sites 11 Camster Cairns, Historic scotland the Grey Cairns of Camster remain among the best preserved chambered cairns in northern scotland. Careful excavation and restoration makes them accessible to visitors. Open all year round Clan sinclair study Centre, noss Head, Wick a collection of 3000 books and other research material which is a must for scholars and historians who are interested in scottish history, Freemasonry, the Crusades and knights templar. Tel: Caithness archive Centre, Wick as part of the highland Council archive service, the Caithness archive Centre is responsible for collecting, preserving and making accessible archives relating to the history of the county of Caithness. Open monday, Tuesday and Thursday 10am to 1pm/2pm to 5.30pm. friday 10am to 1pm/2pm to 5pm. Closed Wednesday, saturday and sunday. Tel: Wick Heritage museum the largest museum in the north of scotland. allow at least 1.5 hours for your visit. there is enough nostalgia and information to last you a lifetime! Open all year round monday to saturday 10am to 4pm. last entry 3.45pm. Tel: pulteney Distillery and visitor Centre, Wick Most northerly distillery on the scottish Mainland. old Pulteney 21 Years old wins World Whisky of the Year in Jim Murray s 2012 Whisky Bible awards. a tour is the ideal way to experience the traditional methods of producing our award winning whisky. Open may to september monday to saturday 10am to 4pm. October to april monday to friday 10am to 1pm/2pm to 4pm. Tours 11am and 2pm or by arrangement Tel: Castle sinclair Girnigoe, noss Head the finest medieval/renaissance castle in the north of scotland and the only one to be listed by the World Monuments Fund. Currently the subject of a preservation programme. Open all year. Tel: lyth arts Centre a unique and attractive arts venue presenting a wide programme of music, theatre and visual art with summer exhibitions of work by both established British and foreign artists as well as the best fine art and craft by local artists. tea/coffee and home baking available. Open daily July and august 2pm to 5pm. Tel: Caithness broch Centre, auckengill an ambitious high quality exhibition looking at who lived in the brochs, who excavated them and the legacies the brochs bring to the present day communities.. Open april to september monday to friday. July and august monday to saturday 10.30am to 4.30pm. Tel:

21 tourism DIRECTORY John O Groats ferries day tours of the orkney islands from John o Groats every summer morning. let us take you away for a fascinating day out. Wildlife cruises from John o Groats harbour run daily at 2.30pm from 20 June to 31 august. Open daily may to september 8am to 8pm. Tel: The Castle of mey the Queen Mother s home in Caithness with walled garden, animal centre, tearoom and gift shop. Open may to september 10.20am to 4pm. Closed 26 July to 9 august. Tel: st. John s pool and bird Hides, brough a unique birdwatching experience in northern scotland. Hide open all year mary ann s Cottage, Dunnet historic croft cottage showing how successive generations of one family lived and worked over 150 years. display of 19th century farming implements. Visitors are personally conducted on a tour which brings to life Mary ann s story. Open June to september 7 days a week 2pm to 4.30pm. Tel: seadrift Centre Countryside Ranger base Visit the seadrift Centre to be introduced to life around dunnet Bay and beyond, season by season. have fun discovering all about the local wildlife, geology and history with the interactive displays. Chat to the local Countryside ranger based here to learn even more about what to see in the area. Open may, June and september 2pm to 5pm. free entry. July and august 12.30pm to 5pm except Thursday and saturday. Tel: Castlehill Heritage Centre, Castletown heritage trail round site of 19th century flagstone works. Magnificent coastal setting. eco-friendly heritage visitor centre, garden and archaeological research lab. themed exhibitions, displays and traditional skills workshops. Picnic area. Open Wednesday, saturday and sunday 2pm to 4pm. Other times by arrangement Tel: Caithness Horizons, Thurso the restored thurso town hall and Carnegie library is an accredited museum and 5 star visitor attraction that interprets the history of Caithness. Permanent and changing exhibitions, audio visual theatre, shop and cafe. Open all year round monday to saturday 10am to 6pm. sunday 11am to 4pm april to september. free entry. Tel: achanarras fossil Quarry, scottish natural Heritage national nature reserves (nnr) for more information visit 27 Rspb forsinard flows national nature Reserve Visit our 4 star visitor centre at the Forsinard nature reserve on the a897 between Melvich and helmsdale. Be green, get the train from inverness, thurso or Wick, straight to the door. discover the bog pools and wildlife of the flow country on a guided walk with one of our staff or use one of our leaflets to explore at your own pace! Free entry visitor centre open april to October 9am to 5pm. free entry. Guided walks Tuesday and Thursday may to august. self-guided trails open all year; Dubh lochan trail 1 mile, forsinain Trail 4 miles (a 10 minute drive from forsinard to the start/finish point). Tel: strathnaver museum the theme of the museum is the tragic story of the highland Clearances as well as artefacts from crofting life during the 19th century. dedicated Clan Mackay room. Open april to October monday to saturday 10am to 5pm closed sunday. Tel: north West Highlands Geopark, assynt scotland Geopark, extending over 2000sq km, comprising some of Britain s finest mountain and coastal landscapes with a wealth of classic rock formations which are internationally recognised for geological research knockan Crag, scottish natural Heritage national nature reserves (nnr) geological trails. for more information visit 31 ferrycroft visitor Centre, lairg 4 star visitor attraction. new family friendly displays, touch screens, listening posts. Wildlife, archaeology, local history, hydro scheme and the mart. tourist information Centre. Open april, may, June, september and October daily 10am to 4pm. July and august daily 10am to 5pm. free entry. Tel: loch fleet, scottish natural Heritage national nature reserves (nnr) coastal woodlands. for more information visit Mary ann s Cottage, dunnet

22 20 tourism DIRECTORY Caithness Horizons Caithness Horizons is an outstanding visitor attraction located in the centre of Thurso focussed around the history of Caithness. Since its opening in 2008 the museum has been awarded 5 star Visitor Attraction rating by VisitScotland and Accredited Museum Status. Caithness Horizons offers a range of activities and catering for all ages and interests. The facility offers venue hire for private and corporate functions/events and weddings. Castle and Gardens of mey The Castle of Mey was the property of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother from 1952 until 1996, when Her Majesty generously gifted it to the Queen Elizabeth Castle of Mey Trust. Situated on the north coast of Caithness, in the parish of Canisbay, the Castle and Gardens of Mey is located about 15 miles east of Thurso and six miles west of John O Groats. It stands on rising ground about 400 yards from the seashore, overlooking the Pentland Firth and the Orkney Islands. attractions museum themes and collections Picts, Vikings, the history of Dounreay, the life of Robert Dick, botanist, as well as more general displays and collections relating to archaeology, geology, natural history, decorative and fine art, social and industrial history and photographs. audio visual room presenting an outstanding short feature film on Caithness. Gallery housing an annual programme of temporary exhibitions. museum gift shop. The Gallery Cafe offering a mouth watering range of freshly prepared snacks, home baking and hot and cold drinks. learning a range of learning and educational support programmes is offered throughout the year. Events and activities including family activities, museum club, talks and festivals. features Open all year round. Free entry. Free Public Parking. Coach Parking (nearby). 5 star Visitor Attraction rating by VisitScotland. Accredited Museum. Fully accessible. Located in the centre of Thurso. Historic building renovated to create a stunning contemporary visitor attraction. Venue hire for leisure and corporate use. venue hire Rooms available for hire for exclusive use for a range of private and corporate events including hire of the whole building. Education Room conferences, meetings, children s parties and various other functions. Accommodates 20 boardroom style, 60 standing, 50 theatre style, 36 classroom style. Gallery large exhibition space available for functions. Accommodates 40 boardroom style, 100 standing, 70 theatre style, 80 cabaret style and 48 classroom style. audio visual Room seats 26, projector which can screen DVDs, websites, powerpoint presentations etc. The Gallery Café for meetings and private lunches/dinners. Accommodates 70 standing, 20 boardroom style, 46 cabaret style. Whole building hire can be arranged for large events and conferences. Equipment for hire for events within the building including video conference equipment, projector, screen, flip chart, TV and DVD player. Weddings Offers a wedding venue with a difference. Steeped in tradition, yet contemporary and exciting, this unique building can provide a stylish, original and romantic setting for a wedding ceremony. Flexible areas for up to 80 guests. Exclusive use. Ceremonies and full catering service including wedding cakes. Offering originality and creativity. attractions Inside the Castle a visit inside the castle provides a delightful glimpse into the late Queen Mother s Caithness retreat, reflecting her personal touch in its decor and homeliness. Visitors are able to gain a real insight into how the castle was when the Queen Mother was in residence with the tour including access to a surprisingly large number of rooms. Friendly local guides, often with long established links to the castle, ensure visitors are given a further insight with stories and anecdotes from the history of the royal household. new Castle Turret situated in the walled garden, the Castle Turret provides wonderful views over the hedges of the walled garden with breathtaking views across the sea to the Old Man of Hoy. A telescope is mounted on the Turret to help visitors make the most of the views. Castle Gardens visitors can enjoy visiting the walled garden with private garden tours available on selected dates, which must be booked and paid for in advance. Castle shop located in the new visitor centre sells a wide range of attractive gifts, a variety of Mey Selections products together with jam and chutney made from fresh produce picked from the castle garden. The Castle of Mey Tweed made by Johnston s of Elgin and chosen by Their Royal Highnesses, The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay is available to purchase. Castle Tearoom offering a delicious selection of home-made snacks and meals using fresh produce from the Castle gardens and the local area. animal Centre offering a delightful opportunity for children and adults to feed and enjoy getting close to a range of farmyard animals and birds including characters like Alice the donkey and Libby and Bebe the goats. The fluffy yellow chicks in the hatchery are a particular favourite with children. features Free Public Parking. Coach Parking. 5 star Visit Scotland Visitor Attraction. Charitable Trust providing educational opportunities with the continued patronage of HRH, The Prince Charles. December Christmas shopping weekend Visitor Centre, Tearoom and Gift Shop open. venue Hire Exclusive use for business meetings and corporate events in the Visitor Centre from October to April. Weddings Weddings for up to 60 guests take place in the beautifully appointed Visitor Centre at the Castle of Mey from October to April with canapés and drinks served afterwards in the Castle itself. There is a wonderful opportunity for photographs to be taken in the beautiful Walled Garden in the grounds which affords fantastic views across the Pentland Firth to the Orkney Islands. accommodation The Captain s House on the Castle estate is available as an exclusive holiday let furnished and equipped to a high standard with 3 bedrooms, sleeping up to 6 guests. Caithness Horizons Town Hall, Thurso KW14 8AJ T: +44 (0) F:+44 (0) info@caithnesshorizons.co.uk Open all year monday to saturday 10am to 6pm. april to september open sunday 11am to 4pm. The Castle of mey Thurso KW14 8XH T: +44 (0) F:+44 (0) enquiries@castleofmey.org.uk Open may to september excluding 26th July to 9th august

23 tourism DIRECTORY 21 pulteney Distillery and visitor Centre Since 1826, the Pulteney Distillery has crafted a Single Malt Scotch Whisky that is the very essence of its remarkable location. In the very far north of Scotland, by Wick s historic harbour, the quietly maturing spirit lies in hand-selected oak casks, slowly capturing the unique character of this stunning landscape with its long seafaring history. Old Pulteney is the embodiment of history, people and place: the Maritime Malt. Wick Heritage museum The largest multi-award winning museum in the north of Scotland. Run by The Wick Society, this outstanding visitor attraction provides a fascinating insight into the history and cultural life of the town with an extensive range of collections and displays. The Society is responsible for four locations including the main museum building, the Lifeboat Shed, the Pilot House and the Historic Herring Mart as well as the beautifully restored Isabella Fortuna, a 19th century sailing herring drifter. attractions visitor Centre offering distillery tours, audio-visual presentation, interpretation displays charting the history of Old Pulteney and the opportunity to enjoy a complimentary dram in the charming ambiance of this historic award-winning distillery. pulteney Tour lasting 45 minutes for up to a maximum of 10 persons, includes a dram of Old Pulteney 12 year old whisky. manager s masterclass Tour with the Distillery Manager and tasting the five specially selected Old Pulteney Single Malt Whiskies. Must be booked in advance. Minimum of 4 persons. Hand bottling offering visitors the ultimate experience, with the opportunity to purchase and bottle their own personal bottle of Old Pulteney Malt from the cask selection. Distillery shop selling an exclusive range of Old Pulteney souvenirs and products features Old Pulteney 21 Year Old Single Malt voted 2012 World Whisky of the Year by the prestigious Jim Murray s Whisky Bible. Range of tours available including the Pulteney Tour and the Manager s Masterclass tour. Tours of the distillery 11am and 2pm or by arrangement, group and evening bookings by arrangement. Gift Shop selling a range of souvenirs and products. Online shop at attractions museum main section includes an outstanding range of displays. Photographic gallery dedicated to images from the historic Johnston Collection of over 50,000 glass plates and negatives dating from period rooms fully furnished in the style typical of the period 1900 and 1925 provide a delightful glimpse of bygone days, including a traditional box bed, authentic Caithness chairs. Not to be missed is the kitchen and utility room. A collection of 19th century clothing and military uniforms are displayed. The Civic life section includes the original Provost s and Magistrates robes, a wide range of artefacts, documents and photographs. The Caithness Glass section charts the fascinating story of Caithness Glass, most famous for designing and making the prestigious BBC Mastermind trophy. Founded in Wick in 1960, the company gifted an extensive range of its glass to the Wick Museum when the factory moved from the town. The lighthouse section provides visitors with the opportunity to examine the complete optical and mechanical working of the Noss Head Lighthouse, on loan from the Lighthouse Commission. Designed and built by Alan Stevenson, uncle of the famous writer Robert Louis Stevenson Herring fishing an extensive display of herring-related activity including coopering, kippering, fishing, trading, a harbour scene and time line, and a section on wrecks and rescue. The art Gallery displays a number of paintings by local artists. Outside, to the rear, visitors can enjoy the original early 19th century courtyard and architecture as well as visiting the gardens and a viewpoint overlooking the harbour and town. boat section Isabella fortuna in 1997, the Wick Society purchased the Isabella Fortuna, a 19th century sailing drifter built in Over the years an enthusiastic team of volunteers has engaged in a programme of renewal and restoration and today the vessel is an outstanding live attraction, berthed in Wick Harbour during the summer months. The vessel is a key attraction during local harbour events visiting other ports for festivals and sea based events to promote the work of the Wick Society. Restoration project a pictorial representation of the restoration project and the working life of the Isabella Fortuna is on display in the Herring Mart. Johnston Collection The Johnston Collection uniquely represents the work of three generations of a local family of photographers who captured images of life in and around Wick between 1863 and During that period they produced around 100,000 glass-plate negatives, of these nearly 50,000 survive and are held in trust by the Wick Society. A digitalisation programme is underway and so far there are over 28,000 images on the fully searchable website: The pilot House, Herring mart and lifeboat shed These key historic buildings all played a key role in the history of Wick as a herring port. The Wick Society has restored these to create attractions which can be enjoyed by visitors. pulteney Distillery visitor Centre Huddart Street, Wick, Caithness KW1 5BA T: +44 (0) F: +44 (0) Open all year. may to september monday to friday 10am to 5pm, saturday 10am to 4pm. October to april monday to friday 10am to 4pm. Wick Heritage museum Bank Row, Wick, Caithness KW1 5EY T: +44 (0) museum@wickheritage.org Open Easter to October 10am to 5pm last entry 3.45pm, allow a minimum of one hour for visit.

24 22 tourism DIRECTORY venture north Why go that extra mile and venture north to Caithness and sutherland? Venture north is a cooperative group of small businesses dedicated to growing the tourism sector for our two magnificent regions, based here in the north highlands. a fledgling organisation formed in 2013 with great plans for the future, Venture north plans to show the world, through event and marketing opportunities, just how much there is to soak up once you decide to Venture north. landscape shots liam Polson and Chris sinclair

25 tourism DIRECTORY 23 Why not come and discover our three magnificent coasts and the vast open spaces of the Flow Country. Whether venturer or adventurer you will find a region rich in unique leisure opportunities. surf the world famous reef break at thurso east, or join the end-to-enders visiting the northerly extremes on the uk mainland at dunnet head or John o Groats. take a change from the wild seascapes by travelling through scotland s first european Geopark with its 3,000 million year old rocks and classic hills like suilven and stac Pollaidh. You re amongst the wildest places in Britain so breath it all in. Bag a Munro by scaling Ben hope and take in the magnificent view across the kyle of tongue and far west to lochinver. take time to unwind under huge skies in this ancient land and tread in the footsteps of our Pictish and norse ancestors whose enigmatic architectural remains cover our landscape. if you re lucky you might even see the northern lights in our clear dark skies while you gaze upon the Milky Way in all its glory. With less light pollution than any other location in the uk, if it s stars you re looking for, you ll find them right here. once you have climbed, trekked, cycled, surfed, photographed, explored and recharged, it s time to experience our highland warmth and hospitality. We have hospitality businesses galore bars, hotels or venues for example where both visitors and local residents alike can get the craic and kick back to a variety of musical genres or whisky flavours. traditional music has its roots deep in north highland culture but once you scratch the surface, that there is a thriving music scene here in the north covering all tastes from break beat to bagpipes. Whether looking for artists, galleries, theatres, small croft exhibitions and or large visitor centres, there is a wealth of activities when you venture north. We want to bring like minded businesses together, working to entice more visitors to Venture north. You can find us on facebook, Instagram or Twitter using #venturenorth If you are a business seeking to give your customer an experience they will remember for all the right reasons then come to Caithness & sutherland. We are keen to collaborate on a variety of marketing and event opportunities, so if you are looking to arrange a large scale event or to bring tourism based business and visitors to the area, please jo.wyke@venturenorth.org.uk for more details.

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27 tourism DIRECTORY 25 accommodation Whether visitors are looking for 5-star luxury accommodation, or a cosy self-catering cottage, Caithness offers a great range of places to stay that suits every budget. there is a good choice of small, family-run hotels offering visitors comfortable, friendly surroundings and good, homecooked food. some offer specialist for visitors coming to pursue an interest such as golf or history. some hotels, for example, cater for anglers and offer a tack room plus freezer for storing catches. there are also lots of self-catering places, allowing visitors complete privacy in a home away from home. Caithness and north sutherland has developed a solid bank of visitor, so plenty of places are equipped to meet the needs of not just individuals and small groups, but full-size coach parties as well. this accommodation availability makes it easy to arrange coach tour itineraries throughout the region. there is also plenty of opportunity to book short breaks, or arrange special events such as business conferencing. the area offers peerless for delegates needing space and time to discuss important agendas, with an unspoilt natural environment and excellent food and drink to aid relaxation between sessions. the region is also becoming increasingly popular as a venue for weddings and other private party celebrations. Couples with a taste for romantic adventure can take their vows in the luxurious surroundings of an ancient castle or country house hotel, and enjoy their special day festivities in an unforgettable location. in other words, whatever the reason for coming to Caithness, and whatever kind of accommodation is required, this visitorfriendly region is eager to extend a warm welcome!

28 26 tourism DIRECTORY JOHn O GROaTs John o Groats has long been renowned as one of the most northerly settlements on the British mainland, and as the end point of many an arduous journey from lands end by foot, car, bike and even by unicycle but it has a history stretching further back than you might think. in 1496, a dutchman by the name of Jan de Groot arrived in Caithness having been granted by king James iv the ferry franchise between the mainland and orkney, which had at that time just recently been acquired from the king of norway in lieu of payment of the dowry promised on his daughter Margaret s betrothal to James iii. de Groot began development of the area around the harbour, according to local folklore building an octagonal house. this supposedly housed an octagonal table, ensuring there would be no quarrelling over precedence amongst his seven sons, although more level-headed commentators have suggested the shape may have had more to do with protection from the elements. regardless, this shape is reflected to this day in the inn at John o Groats. over time, the name of Jan de Groot became corrupted to form the John o Groats we know so well today. the village has long been a famous tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world. While the area has seen its ups and downs over the years, its fortunes have recently changed for the better following a multi-million pound redevelopment by luxury tourism company natural retreats. officially opening in late 2013, the natural retreats development has seen the installation of 23 luxury self-catering eco lodges and the redevelopment of the historic John o Groats house hotel, now rebranded as the inn at John o Groats. John o Groats has also been awarded the prestigious Worldhost recognised destination status, guaranteeing visitors to the area a gold standard in customer service. Worldhost customer service training has been used to train over one million people worldwide, including staff and volunteers at a number of high profile events including the london 2012 olympics, which was widely praised for the welcome given to visitors. John o Groats was the first area in Caithness to gain the prestigious recognised destination status. We believe that every visitor to our county is important and deserves to receive only the best in customer service. the natural retreats development is by no means all that John o Groats has to offer. take a walk out to dunnet head, the most northerly point on the mainland, taking in the magnificent views across the Pentland Firth to stroma and orkney. don t forget to stop along the way to hunt for an elusive Groatie Buckie a rare cowrie shell said to bring good luck to any who can find one!

29 tourism DIRECTORY 27 Photo credits natural retreats the inn at John o Groats and aerial view of John o Groats: Pip rustage. Walking just a little further on will take you to duncansby head, which offers astounding views of the Geo of sclaites, a huge rock cleft bitten deeply into the cliffs, and of the magnificent stacks of duncansby. all that exercise and fresh sea air is bound to work up an appetite, so why not retire to the seaview hotel for a home cooked meal made from the finest local produce. there may even be the opportunity to try a whisky or two from their selection of over 130 malts. For those looking to indulge in a little retail therapy, John o Groats has plenty to offer. Whether you re stocking up on outdoor gear at the new outfitters shop, browsing for craft supplies or looking for mementos of the trip for the folks back home, there s something for everyone. For a perfect end to the day, make sure to sample some of the fine ice creams available. With so much on offer, and with Wick and thurso just 30 minutes drive away, there are plenty of reasons to choose John o Groats as your next holiday destination!

30 28 tourism DIRECTORY accommodation ackergill Tower by Wick 28 brown Trout Hotel Watten 29 Castletown Hotel Castletown 29 mackays Hotel Wick 30 natural Retreats John O Groats 30 norseman Hotel Wick 31 pentland lodge House Thurso 31 seaview Hotel John O Groats 32 Thurso bay Holidays Thurso 32 visit-wick self Catering accommodation Wick 33 Weigh Inn Thurso 33 ackergill Tower Just a stone s throw from John o Groats, on the north east coast of the scottish highlands, this majestic 15th century scottish castle venue is steeped in history, and one of the most sought-after retreats in the world. an idyllic backdrop for all of the most important and memorable of life s events, from spectacular weddings, celebrations and family parties, to rewarding corporate events, product launches and important meetings. With every individual bedroom suite lovingly restored, whilst retaining its own charm and character ackergill is your escape from the everyday. location Rooms Ackergill, by Wick Sleeps 64 guests 17 bedroom ensuite 4 self catering cottages, plus. accommodation main Tower 17 bedroom suites. Sleeps up to 32 8 double bedroom suites 7 double/twin bedroom suites 2 single rooms beach House. Sleeps up to double 1 twin bedroom suites 4 bathrooms sunshine & seashore Cottage. Sleeps up to 4. 2 double bedroom suites 2 bathrooms keeper s Cottage. Sleeps up to 6. 3 double/ twin bedroom suites 3 bathrooms The smiddy. Sleeps up to 2. 1 double/twin bedroom suite 1 bathroom features Beyond 5 star luxury offering. Luxury week/weekend retreats and short breaks on a bed and breakfast basis all year. Easy access via Wick Airport with direct flights from Edinburgh and Aberdeen. Special events including Themed House Party every few months and Scottish Christmas and Hogmanay weekends. From 2015 a purpose built Spa offering a range of luxurious exclusive and treatments for guests. venue hire Celebrations Corporate events Weddings Private dinners Banquets Tree House magical venue for weddings, special occasion overnight stays, parties and corporate events. smuggler s Inn Scottish themed pub for music and dancing to suit any occasion. billiards Room retreat after dinner to the magnificent billiards room for a nip of your favourite malt. Croquet lawn providing an elegant afternoon of gentle exercise. Rifle Range clay pigeon shoot, or Ackergill s own.22 Rifle Range. Golf enjoy golf until midnight on a challenging 18 hole links course nearby. Work on your swing on the Tower s own golf driving range. fishing relax with a rod on Ackergill s own fishing loch. The bothy provides an amazing, quirky venue for a splendid Ackergill picnic prepared by the Chef beach bonfires are a tradition at Ackergill, held under the clear night skies twinkling with a million stars. sinclair palace a stunning and unique space for Corporate Gatherings, Celebrations and Weddings for up to 180 persons. Helen s Courtyard bespoke area leading down to the foreshore. Conference and meeting room including extensive range of equipment. Exclusive use option for all corporate and private events. Four reception rooms to entertain your clients within the Tower. Foreshore and beach access for your event with optional fire pit. ackergill Tower By Wick, Caithness KW1 4RG T: +44 (0) hello@ackergilltower.com

31 tourism DIRECTORY 29 brown Trout Hotel the Brown trout hotel, situated in the historic village of Watten, near loch Watten, offers luxurious accommodation, fantastic home cooked food and a very friendly atmosphere. this family run hotel is an excellent base for fishing, business or just a relaxing breakaway. located only 7 miles from Wick and 14 miles from thurso, the Brown trout is an ideal central base for a visit to Caithness. Castletown Hotel located in the charming fishing village of Castletown, near thurso, the hotel offers a superb location for all travellers. it is ideal for exploring the fabulous landscapes and wildlife of Caithness and just minutes from the Castle of Mey. Business travellers enjoy easy access to all areas of Caithness, with the main towns of thurso and Wick only a short drive away. With stunning views over dunnet Bay one of the best surfing locations in scotland and its pristine white sandy beach, the hotel is close to the award winning heritage centre depicting the character and traditions of the area. location Rooms Watten Sleeps 30 guests 8 ensuite 1 self catering unit venue hire Small meetings Intimate weddings WiFi, Bar, Restaurant, drying room, gear store, game freezer, car park. location Rooms Castletown 24 en-suite bedrooms single, double, twin and family venue hire Small meetings Weddings WiFi, Bar, Restaurant cycle lock-up, car park coach washing accommodation 8 guest bedrooms including family, twin, double and single rooms all en suite with TVs, Freeview and tea/coffee making. Iron/ironing board and hairdryer available. Ghillies lair self catering apartment providing a comfortable self-contained base sleeping up to 5 with two twin bedrooms, bathroom with bath and shower. Lounge with 1 sofa bed, Free View TV and kitchen with electric cooker, fridge freezer, toaster, microwave and washing machine, ample car parking, pets welcome by prior arrangement. bar providing authentic Caithness village hospitality serving delicious home cooked meals using fresh local produce and an extensive selection of malt whisky, including the local Old Pulteney malt distilled in nearby Wick. Restaurant with a warm and friendly atmosphere serving the best fresh produce from the north Highlands including award winning Mey Selections Scotch Beef or locally caught brown trout fresh from Loch Watten during the fishing season and a choice of locally grown vegetables. fishing/game hunting including drying, fishing/ game equipment storage and freezer/fridge. Cycle storage and drying. key features Family run hotel with a warm, friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Ideally located in the village of Watten with easy access to the extensive range of activities the north Highlands has to offer. Welcomes leisure and business visitors. Established reputation and a range of to provide an ideal base for fishing breaks with easy access to Loch Watten, Thurso and Wick rivers and sea angling. Located close to Loch Watten, famous as one of the best wild brown trout fisheries in Scotland Ideally located for visiting John O Groats and day trips to the Orkney Islands. Only 20 miles from John O Groats making it the perfect penultimate stopover for Lands End to John O Groats pilgrims. Extensive range of malt whiskies including local malt, Old Pulteney. accommodation 24 en-suite bedrooms comprising single, double, twin and family rooms. All rooms have shower/bath or both and are equipped and furnished for a comfortable, cosy night s sleep. Dining is a memorable experience with delicious meals prepared using fresh local produce by Sandy, one of the owners, and the Head Chef Willie Macleod. Meat is sourced from local farms including one owned by Sandy and Andrew s cousin. Meals can be enjoyed in the dining room or in the bar for a more relaxed informal atmosphere. bars open fires in the bars provide a cosy place to relax with a warming hot drink or nip of Old Pulteney, the local malt whisky. Cycle lock-up available for visitors. Drying available to cater for those enjoying the great range of outdoor activities on offer in the area including surfing and fishing. laundry service charges applicable. safe available for guest valuables. Complimentary Wifi available. key features Family owned and managed hotel offering a warm welcome, personal and attentive service and delicious home cooked food using fresh seasonal locally sourced produce. Few minutes from the Castle of Mey and ferry ports for day trips to the Orkney Islands. Fifteen minutes from Wick John O Groats Airport and railway station and only 5 minutes from Thurso railway station. On the main bus route for travel to the ferry ports. Established destination for coach tours, catering for regular domestic and international clients. Service are available for coach washing. Special package breaks available for a range of special interests including golf, Castle of Mey and visits to the Orkney Islands. venue Hire Weddings/functions can be accommodated within the dining room which has its own entrance, dance floor and private bar. Tailor made menus can be provided to suit every occasion and budget. private meeting room/private dining/small parties can be accommodated in the Gunn Room seating up to 20 with catering provided tailored to requirements. Drinks, flowers, celebration cakes and entertainment can be organised through the hotel. The brown Trout Hotel Station Road, Watten, Caithness KW1 5YN T: +44 (0) info@thebrowntrouthotel.co.uk Castletown Hotel Main Street, Castletown by Thurso KW14 8TP T: +44 (0) F:+44 (0) info@castletownhotel.co.uk

32 30 tourism DIRECTORY mackays Hotel a family-run hotel, renowned for its high standard of service and fine food, featuring the best fresh, seasonal, locally sourced produce. in 2013 it was the first hotel in the uk to be recognised as a World host Centre of excellence. Continually updated successfully enhancing the period features with stylish touches to provide a relaxed atmosphere Mackays hotel is an ideal base to tour the northern highlands and orkney islands. With comfortable guest bedrooms, relaxing bar and dining, and attentive and professional service, Mackays hotel is a favourite for both leisure and business visitors. natural Retreats John O Groats located in a tiny hamlet amidst an awe-inspiring landscape that combines coastal stacks, dramatic cliffs, and white sandy beaches. the 3 bedroom residences offer unrivalled luxury and breath-taking views out to the orkneys with extensive glass wall frontage bringing the natural light directly into your home. the inn at John o Groats lovingly restored as part of a multi-million pound regeneration boasts bespoke self-catering apartments. on site you ll find an outfitters activity and retail centre and a cooperative storehouse offering local produce and provisions. location Rooms Wick 30 en-suite bedrooms 2 Town Houses 6 Executive apartments accommodation 30 rooms a combination of twin, double or single rooms are available with adjoining rooms or additional bed space in rooms to accommodate families with young children. All rooms are en-suite with a range of modern. 2 town houses and 6 executive apartments available for short or longer term stay. Self catering or fully catered basis with meals provided in the hotel. Both are decorated and equipped to a high standard. Each town house can sleep up to 8 guests. Each executive apartment can sleep up to 2 guests. bar Relax and unwind with whisky and wine a speciality, including local malts. During the day it provides the perfect place to relax with a newspaper or board game and choices of coffees and teas on offer. Dining room provides an attractive venue for private lunch and dinner parties and offers exclusive use with menus tailored to requirements using the best fresh local produce including Mey Selections beef and lamb. no. 1 bistro situated on the shortest street in the world, serving fresh local produce for lunches and dinners seven days a week. venue hire Meetings Conferences Exhibitions Weddings WiFi, Bar, Restaurant, airport pickups, live music key features An extensive malt whisky collection within the bar offering a unique opportunity to enjoy a tour of Scotland s malts without leaving the comfort of your chair. Nosing and tasting events can be arranged in the hotel. Visits to the nearby Old Pulteney Distillery can also be arranged. Centrally located with easy access to all attractions including Wick Airport, railway station and marina. High standard of award winning service and fine food using fresh locally sourced seasonal produce. Package breaks available offering walking, cycling, golf, food tasting, whisky and much more. venue Hire Weddings Licensed for civil marriages and partnerships. Ballroom/function suite providing an elegant venue for bespoke weddings, special celebrations, events and banquets. Accommodates up to 150 for a seated meal and 250 for a buffet or evening reception. Corporate meetings/events/ conferences/ functions/banquets Intimate private meeting room seating 6/8 boardroom style. Multi-purpose room accommodating up to 40 theatre style, 24 boardroom style and 50 networking style. Large hall accommodating up to 150 theatre style and 150 networking style with its own private bar and toilet. Town houses are available for small private business meetings. location Rooms John O Groats 20 eco-friendly three bedroom lodge-style residences 17 luxury self-catering apartments with 1, 2, and 4 bedrooms accommodation 3 bedroom residences offering unrivalled luxury and breath-taking views out to the Orkneys with extensive glass wall frontage designed to bring the natural light and seascape into your home bespoke self-catering apartments with a choice of 1,2 or 4 bedrooms, each offering their own individual charm and all the high quality luxuries you would expect Outfitters activity and retail centre providing information and access to the extensive range of outdoor activities on offer in the area Cooperative storehouse offering local produce and provisions Café serving delicious home-cooked food using local produce where possible versatile event space with sea-views venue hire Versatile sea-view event space, bespoke itineraries for corporate events Outfitters activity and retail centre, Cooperative Storehouse offering local produce and provisions, Café key features Luxury accommodation in a choice of apartments or lodges Stunning location offering a wide range of outdoor activities Café serving delicious homecooked food using local produce Corporate events venue venue Hire Corporate events/meetings/small conferences catered for with a versatile sea-view event space, on-site luxury accommodation, an Outfitters activity and retail centre and a cooperative Storehouse café. A dedicated team can arrange delicious catering as well as bespoke itineraries and agendas, with activities ranging from sea safaris around the stacks of Duncansby, bike hire and guided walks, to wreck diving, clay pigeon shooting and whisky tasting. mackays Hotel Union Street, Wick, Caithness KW1 5ED T: +44 (0) F:+44 (0) info@mackayshotel.co.uk natural Retreats John O Groats John O Groats T: info@naturalretreats.com

33 tourism DIRECTORY 31 norseman Hotel overlooking the river Wick in the small, picturesque town of Wick, offering comfortable accommodation, high standards of service and outstanding food. Positioned on the north coast of scotland, the norseman offers visitors the chance to enjoy this untouched paradise with miles of white sandy beaches, contrasting with the craggy headlands and dramatic cliffs that you would expect. the norseman hotel has become an established destination for coach tours catering for regular international and domestic clients. the norseman hotel is the sister hotel of the Castletown hotel in Castletown. pentland lodge House Conveniently located near the town centre of thurso, this family-run B&B blends the spacious luxury of old style rooms with contemporary style and modern, providing the highest standards to ensure guests enjoy a comfortable, convenient and pleasurable stay. Pentland lodge house offers a warm welcome, high quality service, a comfortable night s sleep, refreshing power showers, a tasty how you like it breakfast and has a range of thoughtful extras available. Pentland lodge house is especially proud of its easy access ground floor room specifically adapted with wheel chair users in mind. location Rooms Wick 48 en-suite bedrooms single, double, twin and family. venue hire Conference Banquets Weddings WiFi, Bar, Restaurant, car park, coach, gardens. location Rooms Thurso 8 en-suite bedrooms Free WiFi, laundry service, car park, free electric vehicle charging station accommodation 48 en-suite bedrooms all tastefully decorated and stylishly furnished with trouser press, tea/coffee making, flat screen TV with Freeview, hairdryer and WiFi access. Crofter s Restaurant offering the best of all that is Scottish, with locally sourced produce freshly prepared by the chefs and complemented by a bottle of wine from an extensive wine list. Wicker s bar offering light lunches and comforting suppers in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere as well as providing the perfect place to meet friends for a drink or enjoy a nightcap of the local malt whisky, Old Pulteney. mature gardens which are licensed for weddings and also available for all residents to enjoy. Coach tours welcomed with personal attentive service, wonderful food and a relaxed and friendly ambiance. Service are available for coach washing. Complimentary Wifi available. key features Central town location overlooking the River Wick with easy access to all the amenities and attractions and minutes from Wick Airport and railway station. Ideal for airport stopovers early breakfasts/airport pick-ups. Established reputation from both visitors and locals for delicious home cooked food using fresh, seasonal, local produce and warm and friendly hospitality. Professionally managed by two local brothers with extensive experience in the hotel industry. venue Hire Wedding venue licensed for civil ceremonies and civil partnerships for up to 200 guests with professional and attentive service assured. Corporate meetings/events/ conferences/functions Riverside Suite caters for up to 200 delegates with for private meetings, break-out rooms and private dining. accommodation 8 en-suite bedrooms can accommodate combinations of single, double (all king size), twin and family. All rooms have power shower en-suite, individual temperature control, free-wi-fi, flat screen TV, desk and seating space in addition to standard items. There is a range of standard and superior rooms available. All rooms are furnished to a high standard providing the luxury of old style rooms with contemporary style and modern. breakfast room offering spectacular views over Thurso bay, serving a hearty breakfast using where possible locally sourced ingredients. key features Period property built c offering spacious luxury of old style rooms with contemporary style and modern, spectacular views over Thurso Bay Off-street car parking Easy access ground floor room specifically adapted with wheel chair users in mind Central location close to Thurso town centre with easy access to the railway station and the ferry to Orkney Free wi-fi throughout the house Free access to the local swimming pool, steam room, sauna and gym Complimentary pick-up from late train arrivals (must be pre-booked) Room service snack style supper tray can be provided (must be pre-booked) Discounts offered on longer bookings Laundry service can be provided Help with holiday plans Free electric vehicle charging station Dog friendly norseman Hotel Riverside, Wick, Caithness KW1 4NL T: +44 (0) F:+44 (0) info@norsemanhotelwick.co.uk pentland lodge House Granville Street, Thurso, KW14 7JN T: +44(0) info@pentlandlodgehouse.co.uk

34 32 tourism DIRECTORY seaview Hotel the family-run seaview hotel extends a warm welcome to both business and leisure visitors offering a range of, mouth watering home cooked food prepared by the local chef using locally sourced produce and a well stocked bar with a range of over 100 malt whiskies. open all year round with stunning panoramic views over the Pentland Firth towards the orkney islands and easy access to golf, walking, cycling, archaeology, bird watching, fishing, beaches, visitor attractions and day trips to the orkney islands. additional bunk house style accommodation available. Thurso bay Holidays thurso Bay holidays is situated in the very north of scotland on the thurso Bay Caravan and Camping Park. the Park s unique location offers visitors a fantastic family holiday destination with breathtaking views over the bay to the orkney islands at the same time as being close to all the attractions and amenities of the town centre. thurso Bay is an ideal base for exploring the far north of scotland and provides easy access for day trips to the orkney islands. thurso Bay holidays can offer the added benefit of helping visitors to plan their stay in advance and will arrange activities tailored to specific requirements. location Rooms John O Groats 26 ensuite Bunk house available venue hire Meetings/Functions Weddings WiFi, Bar, Restaurant, car park, pets welcome, cycle lock-up. location Rooms Thurso 10 static holiday homes 7 sleeping up to 6 1 sleeping up to 8. On site café/diner, laundry, discounts at local shops. accommodation 10 en-suite bedrooms in the main hotel thoughtfully fitted out with comfort in mind including 4 family rooms, 3 double rooms, 2 twin rooms and 1 single room. Each room has tea/coffee making, a hairdryer, radio and television. 16 en-suite bedrooms in the newly renovated Caberfeidh House annex offering beautiful contemporary styling and a host of including 6 twin rooms, 6 family rooms, 3 doubles and 1 triple room. Dining room offering a mouth watering menu of home cooked food using the best local produce including Mey Selections beef and lamb, fresh local seafood and locally grown produce. public/lounge bar offering freshly prepared bar meals and snacks with over 100 malt whiskies to enjoy, including local malts a great place to relax with friends. Guest sitting room and attractive conservatory entrance with comfortable seating and lots of information on local attractions. Off-road parking and secure cycle lock-up. pets welcome by arrangement. key features Open all year round Ideally located for business clients requiring access to the Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters marine wave and tidal energy sites. Official sign in/sign out agents for the Land s End/John O Groats Association Provides easy access for day trips to the Orkney Islands via two ferries: the seasonal service from John O Groats located 300 yards from the hotel by foot and the year round service from Gills Bay located 5 minutes by car. Extensive range of over 100 malt whiskies including local malts and real ales Only 20 minutes by road from the main towns of Thurso and Wick, including Wick Airport. venue Hire function suite catering for up to 120 covers with dance floor, seating area and bar providing for a range of functions including weddings. meeting can be provided for exclusive use including theatre style seating up to 80 and boardroom style seating up to 40 with additional private break out/meeting room. Exhibition/public consultations catered for within the function suite. private dining area which can seat up to 80 perfect for private parties with an additional room suitable for confidential dinners for up to 10. accommodation 10 static holiday homes with dining area, gas fire in lounge, heated bedrooms and bathroom, gas cooker with oven and grill, shower, fridge freezer, microwave, flat screen TV with built in DVD player, gas and electric included and bed linen provided. Extra touches including a welcome pack with tea/coffee, local information to help you plan your stay and discounts at local shops and businesses. Cots, highchairs and towels are available for hire. Irons and hairdryers are available on request. On-site blue Door Café & Diner serving a delicious range of home baking, snacks and meals with a Friday night special of local fish and chips. Children s play park located next to the park. pets welcome by prior arrangement restricted to two onsite. Open april to October with discounts for stays in low and mid-season. Check in 4pm with check out at 10am. key features Idea location overlooking Thurso Bay yet close to town centre attractions and amenities including play parks, coastal path, shops, swimming pool, visitor attractions, museum, beach, harbour, riverside walks, restaurants and cafes. Flexible to meet visitor needs with rental periods from one night available and discounts for low/mid-season breaks. Special discounts for caravans occupied wholly by senior citizens. Advance holiday planning service available to help visitors make the most of their stay with an itinerary planned/pre-booked to reflect specific requirements. Central location for exploring the far north of Scotland with access to a wide range of activities, including walking, surfing, fishing, history, culture, archaeology, golf, cycling and day trips to the Orkney Islands. 5 minutes from bus stops to Wick and most villages in Caithness and 5 minutes from Thurso railway station. seaview Hotel County Road, John O Groats, Caithness KW1 4YR T: +44 (0) F:+44 (0) seaviewhotel@btinternet.com Thurso bay Holidays 36 Upper Burnside Drive, Thurso, Caithness KW14 7XB T: +44 (0) Mobile: stay@thursobayholidays.co.uk

35 tourism DIRECTORY 33 visit-wick self Catering accommodation a range of beautiful, well appointed accommodation in the centre of Wick, providing an ideal base for business and leisure visitors. rental/short stay packages are available. the apartments offer flexible self catering options located five minutes away from Wick airport, the railway station and the bus stop for the main service from inverness. on-street parking is available in front of the apartments. there is easy access to amenities in the town, including the harbour marina, swimming pool and fitness rooms, award winning Wick Museum, old Pulteney Visitor Centre, shops, bars and restaurants. The Weigh Inn Fantastic location overlooking the Pentland Firth, with beautiful panoramic views of the orkney islands. set in two acres of its own grounds on the outskirts of thurso, at the junction of the a9 to scrabster harbour and the main road to the west coast of the highlands and is only two minutes away from the main vehicle and passenger ferry service to the orkney islands. refurbished to the highest standards. the Weigh inn is an established venue for weddings and conferences and has an stb 3 star small hotel rating, stb Green tourism silver award and is part of the hospitality assured quality scheme. location Rooms Wick 3 one and two bedroom apartments plus 2 three and four bedroom townhouses. WiFi, on street parking, use of office, library of DVDs and books. location Rooms Thurso 16 en-suite 3 star deluxe bedrooms 20 superior lodges 22 standard lodges venue hire Conferences Weddings WiFi, Bar, Restaurant, car park, function suite, gardens. accommodation lorne apartments 3 apartments Executive/family apartment available on a 1 or 2 bedroom basis. Ideal as a one bedroom apartment but can be increased to full size with 2 bedrooms (2 double beds/2 singles and 2 shower rooms including a wet room). Spacious executive open-plan studio apartment with large kitchen/lounge area providing free internet access, use of an office, spacious lounge area, 42 plasma screen TV with fully fitted kitchen. Large self contained 2 bedroom apartment on the second floor with 2 double bedrooms with king size beds, extra single beds can be added, feature fireplace with glow fire, TV cabinet and TV and a generous sized fully fitted kitchen. Duncorann House offers spacious, luxurious and extremely comfortable accommodation furnished and equipped to aa 4 star rating. The house includes 3 bedrooms, including one with a four poster bed, lots of period features and a beautiful lounge with a 42 plasma screen TV. The Corner House offers outstanding self contained accommodation in a charming stone townhouse. The property has a Visitscotland 4 star rating and is furnished and equipped to a very high standard ensuring a comfortable and luxurious stay for guests. There are 4 bedrooms including the master bedroom with king size bed and en-suite, 1 double/single room, 1 single/twin and 1 single room located on the ground floor. There is a downstairs toilet/shower room and an enclosed back garden. key features Business packages available with fully serviced accommodation. Accommodation available on a serviced and unserviced basis. Close to Wick Airport, railway station and the main stop for the bus from south courtesy transfer is available if required. Furnished and equipped to an extremely high standard. Extensive range of things to see and do in the local area including museum, harbour with marina, boat trips, swimming pool and fitness suite, walking, fishing, cycling, bird watching, ancient castles, archaeology, genealogy, John O Groats, day trips to the Orkney Islands and exploring the wider landscapes of the north. Local owners with extensive local knowledge who take pride in ensuring guests enjoy a warm welcome and have the opportunity to make the most of their stay. Apartments available for exclusive use sleeps up to 20. accommodation 16 en-suite deluxe rooms within the hotel, all recently refurbished to the highest standard with telephone, internet access, satellite TV, hospitality tray, hairdryer, iron and ironing board. Many of the rooms have beautiful views over Scrabster Bay and beyond to the Orkney Islands lodges with en-suite bath/shower rooms, situated within the 2 acres of well appointed hotel grounds, also boasts televisions and tea/coffee making. Some of the superior lodges have the option of self catering, with a microwave and fridge within the lodge. Pets are welcomed within the lodges at no extra charge. bars/restaurant a choice of 3 bars within the complex including the Ashes bar which is designed with a sports theme, serving bar lunches and evening meals with full coverage of all major sports events. Marnies Lounge and Conservatory, which follows through from the Ashes Bar provides a quainter atmosphere with fabulous views over the Orkney Islands, also offering superb bar lunches and evening meals. key features The north s most modern hotel, ideally located in Thurso, close to the main passenger and car ferry to the Orkney Islands and providing easy access for touring the north coast of Scotland. Serving superb lunches and evening meals in a choice of bars and dining. Special package deals available for Golf, Fishing and Surfing breaks. venue Hire Weddings from 2 to 200 can be accommodated within the Pentland Suite and Marnies Lounge or Conservatory, with a luxurious bridal suite, well appointed gardens and professional attention to detail helping to ensure a memorable day tailored to client s specific requirements. Civil and religious ceremonies can be held within the hotel. Conference catering for delegates, professionally managed and catered to client s individual requirements. A range of conference equipment is available to hire to ensure the smooth running of events. The Pentland Suite, with its own bar provides total exclusivity for that private and personal gathering. visit-wick self Catering accommodation Bank Row, Wick, Caithness KW1 5EY T: +44 (0) Mobile: enquiry@visit-wick.co.uk Weigh Inn Burnside, Thurso, Caithness KW14 7UG T: +44 (0) F:+44 (0) reception@weighinn.co.uk

36 This directory only gives a brief introduction to all that Caithness and north sutherland can offer the tourism sector. To learn more, contact us for further information all the companies in the directory are waiting to hear from you. T: +44 (0) E: enquiries@investcaithness.com