Dunnet Bay Distillery
Enjoy local Caithness gin
Gin lovers unite! This drink has increased in popularity over the past few years, and for good reason. It’s delicious! We are lucky to have many distilleries near us, but one of our favourites is the Dunnet Bay Distillery. These gin geniuses make the luscious Rock Rose Gin as well as Holy Grass Vodka which uses botanicals from the local area. It’s a wonderful place to spend a few hours when you stay at Mackays, and you are invited to join them on your visit to Caithness.
On a 14-day NC500 trip staying in 10 different hotels, this one stood out food wise as the best, including over some more expensive accommodation. We had a DBB rate. Usually hotels only provide a table d’hote menu if dinner is included but McKays allowed us full range of the menu. Our dinner was perfect even without a glass of wine to go with our steaks due to covid regs in Scotland. The breakfast was also the best on our trip. Top marks to the kitchen staff. I gather the hotel is family run over a couple of generations and it shows. Friendly, attentive staff at reception and restaurant. Warm and welcoming.
Meet the gin experts
It’s advisable to contact the distillery in advance to check if they are running guided tours, as they are not always available. However, the distillery offers a unique and special event for groups of up to 10 people. Their “North Coast Stories with Tastings” are held in adorable little boat sheds fit for two people. Located within their tasting rooms, groups come together to hear tales of Scotland’s past and taste the distillery’s delightful spirits. Kids over 8 years of age are welcome at these events, and they get their own activity pack to keep them entertained!
Visitor Centre
Ideal for finding gifts to take home
There is also a 5-star VisitScotland Visitor Centre at Dunnet Bay Distillery. It is quite small, but stocked full of tasty and tantalising treats. It makes a great place to buy some gifts to take back home with you. As well as their own range of spirits, the shop also sells Rock Rose Gin shortbread and marmalade, as well as many other locally-made treats including cards, candles and soaps.
Getting to Dunnet Bay
The journey is also an adventure
Getting there
The easiest way to get up to the distillery is by car. It’s about a half-hour drive from Mackays Hotel along the B876. There’s beautiful scenery to be explored along the way too. And if you want a blast of fresh air and beautiful views, then be sure to explore Dunnet Beach too. It’s a wonderful area for walks, peace and quiet and also a picnic!
Discover other distilleries near Mackays
A dram is never far away!
There are many attractions like Dunnet Bay Distillery near Wick. If you’d like to find out more then head over to our See and Do page, or ask at our front desk when you arrive.
Explore more below…
