Business Details
9 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Home Away From Home on the NC500 Route
Established in 2017 following a complete renovation, Northern Sands Hotel offers luxurious accommodation in Dunnet, Scotland. Nestled on the North Coast 500 route, we provide elegantly appointed rooms with extra-long beds, free Wi-Fi, and panoramic views of the village or sea. Our award-winning restaurant showcases locally sourced produce, including dishes crafted from regional specialties. The hotel features a dedicated hospitality team for weddings and events, accommodating up to 250 guests in a marquee.We pride ourselves on exceptional service, having won the 2025 People's Choice 'Best Hotel in Scotland' award. Our commitment to quality extends to partnerships with local businesses like Dunnet Bay Distillery, enhancing the guest experience with unique regional offerings. With 12 well-equipped rooms and a focus on comfort, we cater to both leisure and adventure-seeking visitors exploring Caithness.
Services
Accommodation
Restaurant
Weddings
Afternoon Tea
Distillery Tours
Details
- Year established: 2017
Highlights and features
- Renovated in 2017 with modern amenities and coastal views
- Award-winning restaurant using locally sourced ingredients
- Hosted the 2022 Scottish Hotel Restaurant of the Year
- Family-owned business with dedicated hospitality team
- Strategically located next to Dunnet Bay Distillery on NC500
What people say
Award-winning restaurant
Friendly professional service
Scenic location
Delicious food
Excellent hospitality
Services
Accommodation
Our 12 elegantly appointed rooms feature extra-long plush beds, HD Smart TVs, en-suite bathrooms, and Scottish Fine Soap toiletries. Most rooms offer village or sea views, with free Wi-Fi and parking included. Located on the first floor, all rooms provide a peaceful retreat for guests exploring the North Coast 500 route.
Restaurant
Northern Sands Restaurant serves locally sourced dishes using seasonal produce from Caithness. The menu includes Scottish classics like Cullen Skink and 8oz Caithness Sirloin Steak, alongside vegetarian options. Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the restaurant has won the 2022 Scottish Hotel Restaurant of the Year award for its culinary excellence.
Weddings
We offer bespoke wedding packages for intimate gatherings or large celebrations up to 250 guests. The Links Suite accommodates 100 guests for dinner, while our marquee hosts 150 for dinner and 250 for evening receptions. Our dedicated hospitality team assists with planning from initial consultation to execution of your special day.
Afternoon Tea
Available with Rock Rose Gin options, our afternoon tea features finger sandwiches, scones with jam and cream, and a selection of traybakes. Gluten-free options are available upon request. The service includes a choice of teas and can be paired with a discounted distillery tour at our neighboring Dunnet Bay Distillery.
Distillery Tours
Adjacent to the hotel, Dunnet Bay Distillery offers guided tours of their gin and vodka production facilities. Visitors can enjoy tutored tastings of Rock Rose Gin and Holy Grass Vodka, with evening tours available during summer months. The experience includes a visit to their stills 'Elizabeth' and 'Margaret' and a complimentary gin and tonic.
People
Martin Nicolson
Company Manager
Acquired and renovated Northern Sands Hotel in 2016, transforming it into a multi-award-winning establishment. Led the team since reopening in 2017, focusing on quality dining and hospitality excellence.
Darren Munro
Head Chef
Has led kitchen operations since 2017, creating menus that earned the restaurant Scottish Hotel Restaurant of the Year 2022. Specializes in showcasing local Caithness produce through innovative culinary techniques.
Stefan Cunningham
Sous Chef
Joined the culinary team at opening in 2017, contributing to the restaurant's award-winning status. Works closely with local suppliers to maintain the highest standards of food quality and presentation.
Ryan Colquhoun
Chef de Partie
Part of the core kitchen team since 2017, instrumental in maintaining consistent quality across all food service operations. Participated in multiple award ceremonies representing the hotel's culinary achievements.
Keith Dreaves
Hospitality Manager
Manages wedding and event coordination, offering personalized service for special occasions. Has overseen numerous successful events since joining the team, ensuring seamless execution of client requirements.
Questions
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is from 3pm, with check-out required by 11am. Early check-in or late check-out can be arranged subject to availability.
Does the hotel have accessibility features?
All bedrooms are on the first floor with no lift access. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate wheelchair users in our current room configuration.
Can I bring my pet to the hotel?
We operate a no-pets policy inside the hotel, but dogs are welcome in our Beer Garden area with designated outdoor facilities available.
Are there nearby attractions to visit?
We're adjacent to Dunnet Bay Distillery and within easy reach of Dunnet Head, Mary Ann's Cottage, and the North Coast 500 route. Local watersports and wildlife tours are also available nearby.
What wedding packages do you offer?
We provide bespoke wedding packages for 20-250 guests, including marquee options. Our hospitality manager offers full planning support from initial consultation through to event execution.
Is there parking available for guests?
Complimentary parking is available for all guests with ample space for cars and larger vehicles adjacent to the hotel premises.
Reviews (7)
Kirstin Jalland
Nov 05, 2021
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We had the most amazing stay! The food was to die for, the staff were wonderful and the room was perfect. 100% recommended. Best start to our honeymoon
Anna Appleby
Oct 01, 2021
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Had food here, and it was seriously good, and very fairly priced. Service was super friendly, with good attention to detail. A really pleasant experience.
Charlotte Barrett
Sep 02, 2021
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Menu looked great. Decor lovely. Staff friendly and helpful. Disappointingly meals came with Peas and Carrots. Chicken and haggis was lovely as was the steak pie. Mash was a little dry and the whisky sauce had no flavour of whisky and the horseradish mash had no flavour of horseradish. Starter duck dish, bean burger & chicken/avo salad were lovely. Orkney beer was grand!!
Dawn Birnie
Aug 28, 2021
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Only went to the hotel restaurant, which was excellent. Food really good. All our meals were high quality and very tasty. Clean and well spaced out tables. Friendly staff. A lovely place to visit.
Mert Ustaomer
Aug 25, 2021
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5 stars are not enough for this hotel. Much beyond our expectations. Very friendly staff... Whatever we ate was very delicious. We recommend everyone to stay here. Very well done. One day we will come back again.
Allan Donaldson
Aug 19, 2021
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Lovely, clean hotel in a perfect location if you're touring the NC500 or just visiting JoG or Orkney on the ferry. Bar area is nice, plenty selection of drinks and food was lovely also. Will definitely stay here again on my next stop to Orkney.
Steph
Aug 02, 2021
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We booked a table for an evening meal. The menu was varied with some dishes you don't usually see on hotel menus. There is a children's menu but they're happy to do half portions of some dishes on the main menu. The food was lovely. Within walking distance from Dunnet Bay Caravan site.
