One of the most northerly pubs in Scotland – the Brass Tap bar at Tongue Hotel – has reopened, as part of Highland Coast Hotels’ ongoing efforts to slow the pace of the North Coast 500 tourist route.
HCH is seeking to encourage ‘responsible tourism’ around the famed coastline itinerary, tempting visitors to take their time travelling, engage with local communities; support local businesses; and respect the natural environment.
To this end, the new look Brass Tap bar has had both a smart interior makeover, and the addition of an outdoor terrace with views across the Kyle of Tongue towards Castle Varrich, creating what HCH hopes will become a ‘must-visit stop ‘for day visitors and hotel guests alike.
Built in the mid-1800s by the Duke of Sutherland, the main building at Tongue Hotel began life as a hunting lodge, a place of gathering after long days on the hill and by the water.
Its Brass Tap takes its name from an original brass water tap still found there, installed in the building’s early years, when guests would draw water to accompany their dram after long days on the hill.
The venue now aims to offer a ‘relaxed, social bar at the heart of the village’ for both NC500 travellers and the local community, with whom HCH conducted ‘extensive engagement’ with regard to the Brass Tap’s role as a social hub for Tongue.
The village, sitting in the middle of the top edge of the Highlands, has reportedly been a key focus for HCH following the hotel’s renovation in 2023, with continued investment aimed at showcasing the destination as a key stop along the NC 500.
The reopening of the Brass Tap has been a long-standing personal priority for HCH managing director Kenny McMillan, who has family ties to the area, alongside newly appointed group commercial manager Clare Armstrong, whose own connections to nearby Durness further strengthen the group’s local roots.
McMillan said: “The Brass Tap has always been more than just a bar. It’s a place where people come together.
“Over the past year, we’ve taken the time to listen to the community and ensure its return reflects what people want and need. It’s incredibly rewarding to see it come back to life,” he said.
“Whether visiting for a quick drink, a relaxed meal or an evening of live music, The Brass Tap is designed to encourage travellers to pause longer, stay overnight and explore the surrounding area.
“From coastal walks and historic landmarks to wildlife and local culture, Tongue continues to establish itself as one of the most rewarding stops on the North Coast 500.”
Since its establishment in 2021, Highland Coast Hotels has acquired six of the region’s landmark hotels, including Tongue Hotel; Kylesku Hotel; Plockton Inn; Royal Golf Hotel, Dornoch; Royal Marine Hotel Brora; and Lochardil House in Inverness.
