Third generation of Lamont family to ‘hand over the reins’ of Caithness business
A WICK hotel has been put up for sale after 67 years under the same family ownership.
Mackays Hotel was bought by current owner Murray Lamont’s grandmother in 1955 and has remained in the family ever since, with Murray and Ellie Lamont – the third generation of the family at the helm of the hotel, taking over the management of Mackays in 1983 before going on to buy the hotel from the rest of the family in the 1990s.
Located by the river Wick and Wick harbour on the town’s Ebenezer Place – which, at just six feet nine inches long, is said to be the world’s shortest street – Mackays Hotel has 30 en suite bedrooms; the No 1 Bistro, which showcases the best local and seasonal produce; and events spaces which host everything from weddings and private functions to corporate events and meetings.
The hotel also has six self-catering apartments; and there’s the opportunity to develop a grain store, which is said to have previously had planning permission for a three-story extension with the potential to add further bedrooms.
Murray Lamont said “the time is right to hand over the reins” of Mackays Hotel to a new owner.
“Our family is incredibly proud to have been the caretakers for our family-run hotel for 67 years,” he said.
“During that time Mackays Hotel has become an integral part of local community life here in Caithness. The hotel has gone from strength to strength, winning a number of industry awards and accolades and welcoming over 50,000 global visitors to the north Highlands and famous North Coast 500 each year.
“We’ve always prided ourselves on our warm Highland welcome to guests from across the world every single year and have some very happy memories from our time as owners of the hotel since the 1990s.
“We’d like to thank all our guests, staff, suppliers, local community and friends for their continued loyal support over the decades.”
Mackays Hotel is being marketed by Drysdale & Co in three lots, which include the 30-bedroom Mackays Hotel, six self-catering apartments (supplementary letting accommodation) and a vacant Church building for separate negotiation.
