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THE FERRY INN, Thurso

•
8.1|Great
Check rooms and rates
From$99 /nightOnly on Our Website-10%
Check-in
31Oct
Check-out
01Nov
Guests
2 Guests
Key details

About the Hotel

Scrabster, Thurso
-
Next to Holburn Head Lighthouse
Great
8.1
/10
3.8
4.5
/5

The Ferry Inn: Last hotel on the A9 with Orkney ferry access at Scrabster Harbour

Harbour Location

The Ferry Inn sits at Scrabster Harbour, the gateway to the Orkney Islands, and is the last hotel on the A9. The hotel stands just north of Thurso, near the Orkney ferry terminal. Thurso Beach and the historic sites of Thurso's old town are close by.

Dining

The Upperdeck restaurant serves locally caught seafood and steaks on a dining terrace overlooking Scrabster Harbour. Popeye's public bar shows live sports events on widescreen TVs. Kids' meals are available, and packed lunches can be ordered for ferry departures.

Rooms

The hotel has 15 newly refurbished en-suite bedrooms, each with a flat-screen TV and Freeview channels. Facilities for disabled guests are available, and non-smoking rooms are provided throughout. The newly renovated hotel overlooks Scrabster Harbour.

Guest Services

All guests receive a complimentary welcome drink. Returning guests can join the hotel's rewards program. Staff arrange personalised breakfast timing, and the hotel is pet-friendly and provides free parking.

Local Activities

Scrabster Harbour is just north of Thurso and is the gateway to the Orkney Islands. Thurso Beach and local recreational facilities are close by, and water sports are available in the area. Historic sites in Thurso's old town are nearby, and the hotel accommodates leisure travelers exploring Orkney and business travelers staying in Thurso.

Highlights

Location: Last hotel on the A9 at Scrabster Harbour

Dining: The Upperdeck restaurant with locally caught seafood and steaks

Entertainment: Popeye's public bar with live sports events on widescreen TVs

Rooms: 15 newly refurbished en-suite bedrooms

Services: Complimentary welcome drink and rewards program

Local: Thurso Beach, water sports, and historic sites in Thurso's old town

Must-do experiences

  • Savor the local catch at The Captain's Galley for fresh seafood.
  • Visit the intriguing Thurso Heritage Museum to learn local history.
  • Take a scenic walk at Dunnet Head, the northernmost point in UK.
  • Discover hidden treasures at Thurso's Saturday market for local crafts.
  • Enjoy a whisky tasting at the Old Pulteney Distillery nearby.

Select your preferred room

Choose from standard rooms, family suites, or deluxe options — with breakfast and flexible rates
  • Family Room
    2 persons
    1 Double bed and 2 Single beds
    Heating
    Shower
  • Single Room
    2 persons
    1 Single bed
    Heating
    Shower
  • Double Room
    2 persons
    1 Double bed
    Heating
    Shower
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Hotel facilities and services

Each hotel provides modern amenities for a relaxing and pleasant stay
Facilities: Very good
7.8/10Review score

General

  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Parking
  • Pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Smoke detectors

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Packed lunches

Children

  • Cots
  • Children's menu

Room features

  • Free Wi-Fi in rooms
  • Heating
  • Garden furniture
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
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The Ferry Inn Location

Scrabster, Thurso
Map view
Nearby
Lighthouse
Holburn Head Lighthouse
40 m
Restaurants
The Upper Deck Restaurant
10 m
At the Ferry Inn
Ferry Inn
10 m
Restaurant
The Captain's Galley Seafood Restaurant
155.72 km
The Harbour
Captain's Galley
155.72 km
Restaurant
Explore Thurso
Explore Scrabster & Thurso
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Caithness Horizons Museum and Art Gallery
30 minutes' walk
Museum featuring local history and art, with occasional free admission days and guided tours available.
Holburn Head Lighthouse
1 minute' walk
Historic lighthouse offering stunning coastal views and ideal for photography enthusiasts.
Original Wolfburn Distillery
30 minutes' walk
Distillery known for whisky production, featuring guided tours and tastings of their unique spirits.
Thurso Library & Gallery
30 minutes' walk
Community library with art exhibits and local literature, a perfect spot for quiet reading or browsing.
Hiking at Holborn Head
1 minute' walk
Scenic hiking trails offering breathtaking views; gear rentals may be available during peak seasons.
Local Markets
10 minutes' drive
Seasonal markets featuring local produce, crafts, and artisan goods, great for unique souvenirs.
Yoga Classes
10 minutes' drive
Relaxing yoga sessions available at local studios, ideal for unwinding after a day of sightseeing.
The Upper Deck Restaurant
1 minute' walk
Casual dining with stunning views, serving fresh seafood and traditional dishes; reservations recommended.
Ferry Inn
1 minute' walk
A cozy pub featuring local ales and hearty meals, perfect for families and casual dining.
Thurso Cinema
10 minutes' drive
Family-friendly cinema showcasing the latest films and occasional special events like Q&A sessions.
Live Music at The Ferry Inn
1 minute' walk
Vibrant atmosphere with live music events, offering a glimpse of local talent and a great night out.
Getting around the city
  • City Centre
    Thurso 32 min  ·  2.6 km
  • Airports
    Wick John O'Groats (WIC) 58 min  ·  38.4 km
    Kirkwall (KOI) 124 min  ·  82.2 km
  • Train
    Scrabster Train Station 2 min  ·  100 m
    Thurso Train Station 34 min  ·  2.8 km
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Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 13:00-22:00
Check-out
from 07:00-11:00
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the hotel rooms for free.
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Number of rooms:
15

Guest ratings and detailed reviews

Feedback about The Ferry Inn from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
The Ferry Inn proves exceptionally convenient, especially for those catching an early ferry, thanks to its proximity to Scrabster port. Guests commonly find the rooms spacious, with some even enjoying a complimentary dram of port on arrival, while others have mentioned that some rooms may feel a little dated. The on-site restaurant is a highlight for many, particularly the fish and chips, and breakfast receives positive mentions as well. Parking right outside the hotel adds to the ease and convenience of the stay.
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Review score
Based on 3 verified reviews
8.7 /10
Great
100%
Recommend
Staff
9.3/10
Location
9.1/10
Facilities
7.8/10
Value for money
8.2/10
Pros
Good restaurant
Clean room
Helpful reception
Good beer
Handy location
Cons
Filthy carpet
Old decor
Guest reviews
based on 3 reviews
8.7/10
based on 479 reviews
8.1/10
Owen from Australia
Family with children
Family Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: February 06, 2026
8.5/10

convenient harbour stay

convenient location ample space tasty meal
The location was supremely convenient for catching the ferry. our family room offered ample space, a definite plus. i found the staff friendly. the restaurant next door served tasty meals. I liked the fish and chips.
The shower in my assigned room wasn't working. I needed to use one in another room. this was an inconvenience. i think it warrants attention from maintenance.
Rooms
8/10
the family room featured comfortable beds and sufficient space for luggage. it included basic amenities like a tv and tea and coffee facilities. the overall condition was clean.
Dining
9/10
the restaurant adjacent offered a variety of dishes, including local seafood. breakfast options are available, though the restaurant is located in a separate building. the food was AMAZING!!!
0 Helpful
|
Elliot from United Kingdom
Business traveller
double room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 10, 2026
8.5/10

great spot before orkney

helpful staff lovely views harbour seals
the staff was friendly and helpful ALL the time. i enjoyed the food next door with lovely views. i saw seals in the harbour while i ate, it was nice.
the shower in my room didn't work, and i had to use one in ANOTHER room. i hoped for better shower facilities.
Location
9/10
the location provides convenient access to nearby attractions. its proximity allows quick excursions for work obligations. i found it helpful to be so close to the pier.
Dining
8/10
meals were great value, and the portions were generous. the cullen skink came with bread and butter. i thought both that and the soup of the day tasted good.
0 Helpful
|
Show more
Jacob from United Kingdom
Single
Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 18, 2025
9/10
lovely staff free parking
i stayed for some nights. the restaurant is located in an adjacent building and features lovely staff. the parking was easy (it was free!).
the shower curtain clung during the shower.
0 Helpful
FAQs
About The Ferry Inn
What are the check-in and check-out times at The Ferry Inn?
Check-in is from 13:00 and check-out is by 11:00.
How far is The Ferry Inn from Wick John O'Groats Airport?
The Ferry Inn is 40 km from Wick John O'Groats Airport.
What dining options are available at The Ferry Inn?
Dining options include the renowned Upper Deck restaurant and the lively Popeye's public bar.
What amenities are available in the rooms at The Ferry Inn?
Rooms feature flat-screen televisions, tea/coffee making facilities, and en-suite bathrooms.
Does The Ferry Inn allow pets?
Pets are allowed on request at The Ferry Inn.
What nearby attractions can I visit from The Ferry Inn?
Nearby attractions include Thurso Beach (approximately 2 km) and the Original Wolfburn Distillery (approximately 2 km).
Is there Wi-Fi access at The Ferry Inn?
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout The Ferry Inn.
What types of cuisines does the restaurant at The Ferry Inn offer?
The Upper Deck specializes in locally caught seafood and steaks.
Are there any leisure activities available at The Ferry Inn?
The hotel is located near recreational activities including surfing, fishing, and sailing.

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