Burn’s Night is a big one for the Scottish calendar – a celebration that combines the best food, drink, poetry and cheer! The first Burns supper was in July 1801. when some of Burns’ closest friends gathered to mark the fifth anniversary of their friend’s death. Now it’s celebrated … Read more…

You can’t always guarantee a sunny day in the North of Scotland, but you can guarantee a fun-packed day out whatever the weather! There’s so much to explore in Wick and the surrounding Caithness that it will take more than just a day to experience it, but we’ve … Read more…

We love shining a spotlight on local suppliers and here’s one for the beer lovers amongst us – John o’ Groats brewery! At Mackays Hotel, we are biased towards a dram of locally distilled whisky, but our bar is always stocked with John o’ Groats Brewery beer. They … Read more…

Hogmanay is a big celebration in Scotland and the perfect way to welcome in the new year. There are traditions lost to time and some that families across the country keep to this day!   First-footing One of the most traditional parts of Hogmanay, the ritual starts at … Read more…

Continue the festivities this month with a celebratory dram of Benramoch’s 10-Year-Old Malt! Benromach is a Speyside distillery that prides itself on keeping things traditional. Every cask is filled and the spirit is cut by hand, considering the distilling process an art form and giving it the respect … Read more…

When you see the words Scottish Cuisine, images of deep-fried battered Mars bars might come to mind. But there’s so much more, rooted in tradition and locally sourced food. And don’t worry, we’re saving the haggis for Burn’s Night in January!   The Full Scottish Breakfast Scotland takes … Read more…

Scotland may not be the first place you think of for a winter getaway, but we’re here to change your mind! The days may be shorter, and you’ll have to wear a couple of layers during your adventures, but there’s still so much fun to be had. There … Read more…

For December, we’ve chosen an extra special whisky to highlight – Glenkinchie’s 10-Year-Old malt! Glenkinchie produces whiskies in their distillery in East Lothian, one of only six distilleries in the Lowland area of Scotland. Despite being close to the border, Glenkinchie’s malts have the distinctive taste you’d expect … Read more…

Happy St Andrew’s Day! We know Andrew as the patron saint of Scotland, but did you know he’s also the patron saint of more countries including Romania, Barbados, Greece, Russia, Ukraine and Poland? He’s a busy man! The origins of St Andrew’s connection to Scotland is speculated, especially … Read more…

Christmas can be overwhelming, and no one wants to be rushing around on the 23rd December trying to find the perfect gifts. That’s why we’re thinking about it early and thinking local. Christmas gifts should be meaningful and high quality for your nearest and dearest and there’s no … Read more…