Mackays Hotel

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…

Halloween might make you think of carved pumpkins, creepy outfits and lots of sugar, but did you know that the 31st October is rooted in Scottish tradition? Dating back to the 16th Century, Halloween takes inspiration from the Gaelic festival of Samhain. The spooky Autumn event has evolved … Read more…

This month at Mackays’ Bar we’re highlighting a smoky, sweet Highland Single Malt; Tomatin Cù Bòcan. It’s an experimental spirit from the taste, the distilling process, the company behind it and even the bottle branding. The malt gets its name from the legendary hound that is said to … Read more…

Ice and Fire Gin Distillery was born from the Scottish Highlands, as a way for farmers to support their crofting lifestyle (small scale food production unique to Scotland). Local water and botanicals are used in the distilling process, just one way the farmers’ background and heritage are instilled … Read more…

Sometimes, the most memorable parts of a holiday are places off the beaten track, after you’ve read the map wrong and stumbled across a hidden gem. If you don’t fancy getting lost in the Highlands, we’ve put together a few undiscovered spots near us. But don’t tell anyone … Read more…

Here in Wick, we’re lucky to be so close to the sea. The coast is the perfect place to spot wildlife and breath-taking scenery, and a lot of our favourite attractions overlook the sea too! Wick harbour also allows visitors a unique experience – enjoying the water around … Read more…

This month we are shining a spotlight on another favourite Scotch Whisky – Scapa Skiren. The name is inspired by the Old Norse word for “glittering bright skies”, and the bottle is definitely a shining addition to Mackays Bar. Scapa is run by 5 artisans, and artisans they … Read more…

Old Pulteney Distillery is just a stone’s throw from Mackays hotel, which makes us even more proud to have their famous malt whisky sitting on our bar shelf. Our favourite, the 12-year-old, has an intense aroma with a hint of sea air. A taste of the sweet, spicy … Read more…

Autumn is a beautiful season in the Highlands, so if you’re thinking about planning a trip there’s no need to wait! We’ve compiled a few of the best things about the North of Scotland this time of year: Autumn walks The days may be getting shorter but that … Read more…