The Craggan Hotel sits in the small crofting community of Melness, overlooking the Atlantic ocean to the left and The Kyle of Tongue  to the right. Perfectly located for those touring the North Coast 500 (NC500) we have wonderful views across The Kyle towards Rabbit Islands and Eilean nan Ron (Island of the Seals) just beyond. A short walk from Talmine Bay and the beautiful Skinnet Beach we are surrounded by opportunities for quiet reflection.

Converted from one of the few cotter’s houses remaining in the area in the early 70’s, although part of the building dates back to 1865. 

The hotel is run by the Mackay family whose ancestors built the original homestead and started the tradition of making everybody welcome to their family home. Guests and friends alike will always leave with memories and a tale to tell.

Ideally located for the enthusiastic walker The Craggan is just a short drive away from the most northern of the 282 munros, Ben Hope in Strathmore. A much shorter drive and you’ll find yourself ready to tackle the seemingly ubiquitous Ben Loyal, the Queen of Scottish mountains (and probably the most photographed mountain on the NC500!). Thankfully, for the slightly less energetic, there are ample opportunities to stretch your legs at a much lower level including the wonderful coastal walk from Talmine to Port Vasgo and the short but rewarding meander up to Castle Varrich in Tongue.

With stunning views of the Atlantic ocean or the picturesque Highlands, The Craggan Hotel offers 4 cosy guest rooms. Full cooked breakfast is provided each morning, and lunch and evening meals are served in the restaurant. Simply decorated with wooden furnishings, the rooms all come with luxurious biscuits, and facilities for making tea and coffee. Each also features a flatscreen, multichannel TV. Rooms all have a hand basin and mirror, and there is a large shared bathroom. The surrounding area is ideal for climbing and walking, with Ben Hope around 15 miles away. You can also visit Castle Varrich, which sits on a small mountain over the Kyle of Tongue.

The Craggan hotel also offers a good central location for salmon fishing, with lochs and rivers are a bountiful. If fishing is not your scene then maybe shooting and stalking could be of interest on the local estates. Melness itself is steeped in local history, situated in the County of Sutherland, also known as Mackay Country, close to Durness, Thurso and Lairg situated and sign posted on the North to West Highland Tourist route. 

Many a night could be had chatting and mingling in front of our fire, with local game keepers and ghilies who are only too happy to tell their ‘stories’ of such big stags that evaded their shots and the fish that they hooked for hours then got away. With stunning views and golden beaches The Craggan Hotel at Melness offers everything you need for a stress free, relaxing and rewarding holiday or short break.