Introduction

This evening, I am reporting on the town of Wick on the N.E. coast of Scotland.

Information on Wick

Onomatology: The name points to origin of the town. It is derived from the Old Norse word vik meaning bay or creek. This indicates a Viking settlement of around 1200 years ago.

Population: About 7300 persons.

Location: N.E. coast, about 206 miles N.E. of Aberdeen.  The town is a royal burgh in the county of Caithness.

Industry: Developed as a harbour from around 1803 to support the booming herring industry. Wick continues to support the fishing industry. Whilst no longer a designated white fish landing port, vessels can still consign their catch taking advantage of Wick’s proximity to the fishing grounds and it’s port facilities. Today, an active and successful shellfish industry operates from the port landing lobster, scallops, crab and prawns.

Tourism: Wick features in the North Coast 500, a 500 miles driving route around northern Scotland. A range of accommodations is available.

Important local sites

Castle Sinclair Girnigoe: This is located about 3 miles north of Wick on the east coast It is considered to be one of the earliest seats of Clan Sinclair. It comprises the ruins of two castles: the 15th-century Castle Girnigoe; and the early 17th-century Castle 

World’s Shortest Street: Ebenezer Place, in Wick, is credited as the shortest street at 2.06 m (6 ft 9 in). The street has only one address: the entrance to No. 1 Bistro, which is part of Mackays Hotel.

Caithness Broch Centre: About ten miles north of Wick. This is home
to an innovative display that presents a story of the prehistory of the north coast of Caithness. Brochs are large stone towers built over 2000 years ago of which there is a high concentration in Caithness.

Wick Marina: Opened in 2009 and represents an ideal location for visiting sailors.

Wick Heritage Centre: The Wick Heritage Museum  houses a number of furnished rooms and exhibitions portraying Wick’s herring fishing heritage.

Pulteney Distillery: Just half a mile from the town centre. Produces a wide range of single malt whiskies under the Old Pulteney brand. Tours are available at the Visitor Centre. Visit website for details.

More information for the tourist

Please refer to Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4, for more information on Scottish brochs, castles, the NC 500 and much more. This publication is also available via Kindle.