To sample some of the finest Scottish spirits made locally in Caithness, we highly recommend a trip to Dunnet Bay Distillery! Caithness’s first gin distillery is also the closest to Celtic Lodges in Scarfskerry, being just a 5 minute drive away.
Dunnet Bay Distillery is the home of Rock Rose Gin (which has many different seasonal and special editions), Holy Grass Vodka, and Mapmakers Rum. The team are also hard at work preparing to branch into producing whisky at Castletown Mill, at the western end of Dunnet Bay later in 2025.

Situated in the village of Dunnet, the distillery produces spirits which use foraged and locally grown botanicals. Once distilled in ‘Margaret’ and ‘Elizabeth’ – their stills, their signature range of gins are poured into eye-catching labelled ceramic bottles and sealed with wax. During a tour you can see all parts of the production process taking place on site, along with viewing the research and development area where ideas for new spirits are tested!
Dunnet Bay Distillery have won many awards for their spirits including Great Taste Awards for Rock Rose Gin, Navy Strength Gin and Holy Grass Vodka. The distillery is also the holder of a Gold Green Tourism award for their commitment to the highest standards of sustainability.

Dunnet Bay Distillery Tours
At Dunnet Bay Distillery you can choose from the following experiences:
- Express tour and tasting experiences take place at 10:30am and 11:30am, Mondays – Saturdays between April – September. Tours take 30 minutes and you can enjoy samples of Rock Rose Gin and Holy Grass Vodka.
- Premium tours and tasting experiences take place at 2pm Mondays – Saturdays between April – September and at 11am and 2pm on selected days between October and March. They last 90 minutes and you will enjoy a welcome Rock Rose Gin and Tonic on arrival, and enjoy a tutored gin tasting of three spirits at the end of the tour in the beautiful tasting room.

If you are the designated driver, Dunnet Bay Distillery advises that you can bring along small containers to take away your gin samples. Or better still, get the local 80 bus from John O’Groats to Thurso – which passes Celtic Lodges and will drop you right at the distillery door (check the Stagecoach timetable for current times). You’ll save on your tour tickets too – book them via the website and get a 10% refund when you present your bus ticket on arrival.
- Cocktail workshops are also available throughout the year for small groups, either on selected dates or you can book your own private workshop on a date of your choosing.
- Follow Rock Rose Gin on Facebook or Instagram to hear of any new products or special events, especially in the autumn or winter months!

We recommend booking distillery tour dates in advance to avoid disappointment, especially during the summer months, and cocktail workshop dates must be booked in advance. If you don’t have time to stop for a tour, pop into their shop and pick up a bottle or some locally made goodies including chocolates, preserves, cards and gifts. The shop is open 10am – 5pm Monday – Saturday from April to October, and 10am – 4pm Monday – Saturday from November to March.

What’s Nearby
While you’re in the area, you can also visit the following places from Dunnet Bay Distillery:
If you’re looking for a meal or snack after your visit to the distillery, the Northern Sands Hotel is next door and is highly recommended by locals.
Mary-Ann’s Cottage: (2 minute drive/16 minute walk) where you can experience traditional crofting life in an authentically preserved cottage.
Dwarwick Harbour (4 minute drive/24 minute walk): One of Caithness’s many quaint harbours, with views across to Dunnet Bay.
Walks at Dunnet Forest or Dunnet Bay (3 minute drive/10 minute walk): Choose from a huge sweeping beach or a woodland trail if you’re looking to keep active!
While you’re visiting Dunnet Bay Distillery …
- Eat at the Northern Sands
- Dunnet Bay
- Dunnet Forest
- Mary Ann’s Cottage
- Dunnet Head
- North Coast Visitor Centre – Robert Dick Exhibition to learn more about this botanist and his collection of Caithness plants and ferns





