Highland – Caithness & Sutherland
On the 19th and 20th September 2026, we will host a free 30 min guided Heritage and Conservation Tour.
The short tour will have a focus on how Dunnet Bay Distillers has preserved the old ruins of Castletown Mill with careful consideration of its history and reimagined the building as new destination and whisky distillery which will safeguard it's for future generations.
This tour will be based outdoors in the Courtyard with short walks to other external areas. Attendees should dress for the weather. In very poor weather conditions, the tour will relocate to an indoor location.
As the building itself was a 19th century grain mill with a long and rich history in the local area, involving many local families it has been an important part of Castletown and the wider community for many generations.
When Dunnet Bay Distillers Ltd purchased the building in 2020 it had been derelict for 32 years and was in a state of ruin. This meant that both the building and its
history were at risk of being lost completely. Through considerate custodianship Dunnet Bay Distillers Ltd has conserved and restored the building in a way that showcases its original design and features like the traditional Caithness Flagstone Roof on the older wing of the building which was done in a diminishing style as it was when it was first constructed. Dunnet Bay Distillers Ltd is also committed to preserving and sharing the stores that made the building such an important landmark in the local community. The
owners continue to speak to relatives of the people who lived and worked at the mill to ensure that we can share their stories respectfully and accurately.
Their overall goal is to create a new and exciting way for future generations to engage with the past through the history and heritage of the building, while giving the building a new lease of life as a whisky distillery, restaurant and overall visitor destination.
This will engage a wider and different audience that will help to ensure that the building remains meaningful, accessible and alive for future generations.
Please note that this tour does not include a Distillery Visit.
Facilities
Additional Access Information
Refreshments are not included as part of visit. There is an onsite restaurant that serves coffee, cakes, lunches and dinners.
Children are welcome on to tour if accompanied by a responsible adult.
Gallery
