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The ancient fishing port developed close to the upper most northeastern region of Scotland. The Vikings first landed here, establishing a settlement, and using the natural harbour for docking long boats and trading ships. Many believe they constructed fortifications on the site that now bears the remains of Wick Castle. The name of the community stems from the Norse language and means “bay.” The Vikings inhabited and ruled the territory until the establishment of the Treaty of Perth in 1266. The Norwegian King Magnus VI and Scotland’s King Alexander III reached a territorial agreement. The Vikings allowed the Scots to regain possession and authority of their land and the Scots acknowledged the Norwegian boundaries. However, this peace came at a cost to the Scots who paid a lump sum and annual annuities.
Once the Vikings left, a Norman nobleman named Sir Reginald de Cheyne obtained the lands and constructed the stone fortified Castle Wick. Upon Cheyne’s death in 1345, the lands passed to his daughter Marjory, and her husband, the Earl of Sutherland. Through inheritance, the castle passed through the family line until abandonment in the 1800s. In 1589, Wick became a royal burgh and the affluent established large family estates. The Lord of the manor constructed the market place, or village square, first and streets eventually branched outwards from this central location. By 1608, Wick measured a mile in length, but seemed disorganized to some. Before the end of the century, the population climbed to around 500 residents.
In 1767, the fishing industry began when local anglers caught a sizable amount of herring. During the year 1786, the community established the British Fishing Society. Within a few years, fishermen expanded their catch to include salmon. By 1790, Wick had 32 local fishing boats travelling the waters daily. Just five years later, this number rose to 200 vessels. The Fishing Society purchased land for harbour construction and housing developments. In 1810, Wick had an established harbour. Before the first quarter of the century ended, 1100 boats fished daily, catching hundreds of thousands of barrels of fish. In a season, documents estimated the industry employed 12,000 people. The refuse obtained after processing the fish served as fertilizer for local farm ground.
Though the industry prospered and rewarded many with wealth, a local pastor grew concerned over the moral decline of the community. In 1840, he noted that Wick alone had 22 public houses serving liquor at the rate of 500 gallons of whiskey per day. As the population grew, Wick expanded, developing more housing districts, improving bridges, roads and services. In 1868, Wick had a telegraph service, railway service in 1874 and piped clean water supply in 1882. By the 1930s, the herring populations diminished, requiring anglers to catch whitefish. The fishing industry decline affected the economy until the oil discovery in the 1970s. Beginning in 1939, the Royal Air Force established an air base in Wick. The development gradually expanded from runways to hangers and other buildings.
Activities and Attractions
The Wick harbour is only a five minute walk from the centre of town. Not only does the location have beaches to explore, but also regular cruises provide excursions around the scenic coast. Visitors enjoy fishing expeditions and sail to the nearby historic Orkney Islands. The archpelagio contains over 60 islands, of which one third are inhabited. Visitors find many archaeological sites that include evidence of civilizations from 8,500 years ago. Ancient Picts and Vikings formed these settlements. Explore ancient complex stone brochs, burial cairns and mysterious standing stone formations. The Islands are also rich in culture and folklore, combining Norse and Celtic traditions.
Many believe the Wick Heritage Museum is a must for anyone visiting the community. Though the exterior of the building appears plain and unimpressive, the museum actually consists of multiple buildings conjoined. Viewing all of the exhibits requires plenty of time. Immediately upon entering the facilty, guests encounter an exhibit involving six recreated rooms, spanning the time period 1900 to 1925. Fully furnished and decorated, the environments represent a typical bedroom, kitchen, parlour and sitting room. See the workings of a lighthouse, displaying the mechanics and technology in a bi-level structure showing the light at the top and the machinery below.
The museum explains the Wick fishing industry extensively with collections that include kilns for fish drying and barrels for packing. A massive set of whale jawbones provides the doorway into a gallery featuring the various types of fishing equipment and explains the common methods of fishing used. The room also displays actual fishing and life saving vessels, along with plenty of memorabilia. Another room provides a look into government, with ceremonial robes and documents. Wonder in amazement at the antique feats of engineering and machinery, which includes engines and massive printing presses. Wander through a Victorian photography studio, filled with equipment and actual photographs.
The Pulteney Distillery is another interesting factilty offering tours. Visitors learn the history behind the facility and take an extensive close-up journey through the malt whiskey making process. Watch the mill grind the barley before it undergoes the mashing process. See the large washing tubs churn into action. Learn about the lengthy process of the still and distilling rooms. Watch the wooden barrels fill with whiskey and the glass bottles sealed with the finished, aged Scotch. Find out how the distillery creates different malts, using varied ingredients and conditions. The facility also features a shop where visitors may purchase distillery products.
Places To Stay and Dining
With an assortment of hotels from which to choose, guests easily find accommodations overlooking the waterfront. Views from certain locations not only showcase the white sandy beaches, but also the surrounding rocky cliffs.
The Alexander Bain restaurant offers International cuisine at affordable prices. Try Moroccan meatballs made with lamb and served with a tangy, seasoned tomatoe sauce made with chillies and onions. The venue serves the meal with traditional flatbread. For visitors not having a sense of adventure, dine on the roast of the day, served with potatoes, vegetables and gravy, along with Yorkshire pudding.
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