Wick lies 20 miles south of John O'Groats and serves as the county town of Caithness – Scotland’s most northerly mainland county. Wick is situated on the north bank of the River Wick as it flows into Wick bay which originates from the Norse word ‘Vic’ meaning bay.

The harbour and much of the old town was designed by Thomas Telford and it is a source of constant interest to visitors. Wick was well known as the main fishing port (mainly herring) in North Scotland and at its peak, there were over 1000 vessels fishing out of the port. The last drifter ceased fishing for herring in 1953. With the demise of the fishing industry, new industries have supplied employment, notably Dounreay Nuclear Power Station, Simrad Osprey and Caithness Glass.

Visitor Attractions:

Wick Heritage Centre – Award winning exhibition depicting the herring boom of the early 19th century.

The surrounding areas are very scenic, with dramatic coastlines and some of the best prehistoric sites. There is also a chance to visit the most northerly point in mainland Britain – Dunnet Head.

See also

Wick Timetable

Wick Airport Guide