Dunnet Bay Distillery: A Must-Visit Distillery on the North Coast 500 in Caithness.
If you’re travelling Scotland’s iconic North Coast 500 (NC500) route, we’d love to welcome you to our craft distillery in Dunnet Bay, on the spectacular Caithness coast for a memorable North Coast 500 distillery tour.
We’re just three miles from Dunnet Head, the most northerly point on mainland Britain, and right on the route of both the North Coast 500 and the John O’Groats to Land’s End tourist trail.
Our eco-friendly, family-owned business – set up by husband-and-wife team, Claire and Martin Murray in 2014 – produces a range of premium Scottish gins, vodkas, and rum, including the multi-award-winning Rock Rose Gin, which reflects the purity and beauty of the Scottish coastline. These elegant and subtle spirits celebrate the unique natural and cultural heritage of Caithness, using many locally foraged and home-grown botanicals from our distillery garden to create exceptional spirits that capture a true taste of the Scottish Highlands.
We’re also proud to produce the official North Coast 500 Gin and North Coast 500 Vodka, crafted in celebration of this incredible route. You can pick them up in our distillery shop or order online with free UK delivery on orders over £50.
Why Visit Dunnet Bay Distillers on Your NC500 Adventure?
We’re proud to be a 5-Star VisitScotland visitor attraction, holding this prestigious award for six consecutive years– making us one of the must-visit stops for anyone seeking an unforgettable North Coast 500 distillery tour.
We’ve also been awarded with Tripadvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Award 2025 for the fourth year running – placing us among the top 10% of ‘Things to Do’ worldwide. Our distillery tours are rated an Outstanding Attraction on TripAdvisor – with one happy visitor calling them “Tip top tastic!”
Step inside our wee distillery on your NC500 adventure and discover a world of exceptional, eco-friendly Scottish spirits, craftsmanship, and Highland heritage.
During your visit, you’ll:
- Meet our friendly team and hear the story of how it all began
- Discover the local botanicals that make our spirits so distinctive
- Meet our shiny stills – Elizabeth and Margaret – working their magic
- Enjoy a guided tasting of our award-winning spirits
During the peak season, our distillery tours operate Monday to Saturday from April until September, with reduced availability during the winter months.
For North Coast 500 visitors short on time, we offer Express Tours, each lasting approximately 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can book a Premium Tour, providing a detailed insight into the history of Dunnet Bay Distillery. Premium Tours last around 1.5 hours.
Your Gateway to Caithness on the North Coast 500
Dunnet Bay Distillery is a must-visit destination in Caithness on Scotland’s iconic North Coast 500. After exploring our craft distillery and discovering our story, meeting our friendly team and shiny stills, and tasting our award-winning spirits, you’ll be ready to explore more of this stunning region. With its big open skies, peaceful landscapes, and wealth of things to see and do, Caithness is one of Scotland’s most captivating regions — and combined with your distillery experience, it makes for an unforgettable NC500 stop.
Dunnet Bay is surrounded by dramatic cliffs, long sandy beaches, and some of Scotland’s most fascinating attractions — all within easy reach.
While you’re here, we recommend:
- Castletown Mill – Stannergill Whisky – The next exciting chapter in our journey. Due to opening to the public in October 2025, Castletown Mill will be our second distillery — a state-of-the-art craft whisky distillery and world-class visitor experience. Housed in the beautifully restored historic mill in Castletown, just minutes from Dunnet Bay, it will produce our new Stannergill single malt whisky and offer guided tours, plus a welcoming café-restaurant serving delicious lunches, and fine dining created with the finest local produce. This landmark destination will be a must-visit stop for NC500 visitors.
- Dunnet Beach – a stunning sweeping bay with white sandy beach backed by rolling sand dunes, perfect for a seaside walk, just a short stroll from the distillery.
- North Shore Surf Club –based at Dunnet Beach, the club is at the heart of the local surf scene. They offer lessons, board and wetsuit hire, and a welcoming community for beginners and experienced surfers alike.
- Dunnet Head – the most northerly point in mainland Britain, with panoramic sea views and excellent birdwatching opportunities
- John O’Groats – the famous village marking one end of the UK, perfect for iconic photos and wildlife boat trips
- Castle of Mey – once the home of the late Queen Mother, with beautifully maintained gardens and stunning coastal views.
- Mary-Ann’s Cottage – located near Dunnet, this lovingly preserved croft offers a fascinating glimpse into the daily lives of the Calder family and an authentic insight into traditional rural living in the Highlands. Visiting feels like stepping back in time.
Make Us Part of Your
North Coast 500 Story
Whether you’re travelling the NC500 clockwise or anti-clockwise, our distillery is the perfect place to pause, stretch your legs, and enjoy a taste of Caithness. Many visitors tell us their time here is a highlight of their trip – and we couldn’t ask for a better compliment.
Plan ahead – we recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment.