Business Details
30 Years
experience
Your Highland Escape in Lairg Village
Established in April 1996, Lairg Highland Hotel is a family-run establishment owned and managed by Allan and Annette Hamilton. Originally operating as The Nip Inn pub with rooms, we have expanded over two decades into a ten-bedroom hotel offering bistro dining, two bars, and modern amenities while retaining our informal, welcoming atmosphere. Our guest rooms feature en-suite facilities, flat-screen TVs, and hospitality trays, with select pet-friendly options available. The Thistle Bistro serves locally sourced Scottish cuisine, while The Nip Inn Bar offers an extensive selection of Scottish malts and gins.Located in the heart of Lairg village, we provide easy access to outdoor activities, historic sites, and the scenic Far Northern Highlands. Our facilities include bicycle storage, rod and gun storage, and special arrangements for celebrations or conferences. As a family business, we prioritise personal service to ensure guests enjoy a memorable stay rooted in Highland hospitality.
Services
Accommodation
Thistle Bistro
Nip Inn Bar
Pet-Friendly Rooms
Conference Catering
Bicycle Storage
Rod & Gun Storage
Special Diets
Local Tours
Online Booking
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of family-run hospitality expertise in the Scottish Highlands
- Our locally sourced menu features premium Scotch beef, lamb, and fresh seafood
- Pet-friendly rooms and outdoor equipment storage cater to active travelers
- Central location provides easy access to NC500 routes and Sutherland's attractions
- Specialist knowledge of local history and outdoor activities for personalized stays
Services
Accommodation
Our ten en-suite guest rooms offer individually decorated spaces with flat-screen TVs, hospitality trays, and modern amenities. Options include single, twin, double, and family rooms accommodating up to four guests. Select pet-friendly rooms available with prior arrangement.
Thistle Bistro
Serving locally sourced Scottish cuisine, our bistro offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Menus feature premium Scotch beef, lamb, and fresh seafood. Vegetarian and special dietary options available with advance notice.
Nip Inn Bar
Traditional pub atmosphere with extensive Scottish whisky and gin selection. Open to adults only, featuring Sky & BT Sports broadcasts. Licensing hours vary by day with late-night openings on weekends.
Special Occasions
We cater for conferences, weddings, and private dinners in dedicated spaces. The Thistle Bistro hosts seasonal events, while our lounge bar provides winter dining alternatives. Custom arrangements available upon request.
Outdoor Facilities
Secure bicycle storage, rod and gun lockers, and fish freezers available for guests. Ideal for cyclists, anglers, and shooters exploring Sutherland's landscapes. Drying areas provided for outdoor gear.
People
Allan Hamilton
Proprietor
Co-owner with 25+ years' experience in hospitality. Specialises in local cuisine sourcing and guest experience management. Active community member involved in Lairg events.
Annette Hamilton
Proprietor
Co-founder overseeing daily operations and guest relations. Expertise in creating welcoming environments. Contributes to village community initiatives and tourism development.
Questions
What room types are available?
We offer single, twin, double, and family rooms with en-suite facilities. Some rooms accommodate pets with prior arrangement.
Can I bring my pet?
Select rooms allow pets. Please specify requirements when booking to ensure appropriate accommodation.
What dining options exist?
The Thistle Bistro serves meals nightly (May-Oct) and winter lunches. The Nip Inn Bar offers snacks and drinks year-round.
Are there outdoor activity facilities?
Secure bicycle storage, rod/gun lockers, and fish freezers available for guests' convenience.
How to reach Lairg by public transport?
Inverness Airport is 1.25 hours' drive. Regular trains and buses connect Lairg to major Scottish destinations.
Reviews (5)
Dennis Lowe
Oct 21, 2021
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We have been dinning here for several years now excellent meals and service, it's nice to be greeted by the owner a wonderful lady always first class attention.
Beverley Macdonald
Sep 14, 2021
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Fabulous warm welcome considering we were an hour after the kitchen had closed..rustled us perfect scampi n chips. The room was spotless and the locals in the adjacent bar made us feel like old friends. Even the dogs got in on the act. Totally recommend this hotel. Oh and please remember its the beautiful Highlands so no nightclubs etc, thank goodness.
Bermudasteve
Aug 20, 2021
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Hotel was OK. Rooms could do with a few updates but sufficient for my purposes. Restaurant and bar area was quite nice. Food good.
James Bryant
Jul 21, 2021
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Really really friendly owners and staff, made our stay very welcoming. Room was clean, tidy, recently refurbished, though small. Breakfast was really tasty. Bar next door was a good craic.
Oscar Freund-Williams
Jul 01, 2021
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Lairg Highland hotel was overpriced for what felt like a somewhat run down hotel (appreciate there were renovations going on). No coffee/tea in the room which is a small touch but would have made a difference. Breakfast was average. Staff were hard working.
