Wick

Wick is a coastal town in the far north of Highland region in the County of Caithness Situated around the mouth of Wick River, it has a long history shaped by the sea, fishing and trade. Its name is generally thought to come from the Norse word “vík”, meaning a small bay or inlet, reflecting the area’s Scandinavian connections. 

Wick became a royal burgh in 1589, but it was the growth of the herring industry that transformed the town. During the nineteenth century, Wick became one of Europe’s busiest herring ports. Hundreds of boats gathered in the harbour, while thousands of seasonal workers came to gut, salt and pack the catch. Coopers, boatbuilders, merchants and other trades also flourished as the industry grew.

To support the fleet, the British Fisheries Society developed a new harbour and built a settlement on the southern side of the river. This development was called Pulteneytown and was planned by the engineer Thomas Telford.   It’s names after Sir William Pulteney, a governor of the society.

The town still has a working harbour, mainly utilised these days by the energy industry as well as the marina, frequented by tourists and sailors travelling around the UK.  The planned streets of Pulteneytown reflect Wick’s remarkable herring-fishing history. The town’s heritage collections and dramatic nearby coastline offer an engaging introduction to Caithness.

One of the town’s claims to fame is Ebenezer Place, part of Mackay’s Hotel which holds the Guinness World Record for the world’s shortest street. Mesasuring just 6 feet 9 inches, or 2.05 metres, it’s short enough to walk along in a couple of short steps.  Its only address is No. 1 Ebenezer Place, the entrance to the hotel’s No. 1 Bistro.  Guinness checked the measurement on 28 October 2006. 

Places to explore nearby

• Castle of Old Wick: Clifftop castle ruins above the Caithness coast.
• Duncansby Head: Dramatic cliffs and sea stacks near John o’ Groats.

To find out more about the Wick area, check out our Wick Travel Guide.