With perhaps 3 hotels / pubs within 30 miles near Tongue at the very North of Scotland, The Craggan was indeed a hidden gem. The owner Hamish and his sister Kate run a very friendly establishment and we were treated almost like family. The food was excellent and for the 2 nights we were there, it really felt like home. We'll definitely be back on our next Scottish adventure, and I'd recommend the place to anyone.

Defenitely a 5* experience . Superb Food. Very clean Accommodation tastefully decorated, in short everything you would expext from a 5* Hotel but without the Cost. Staff cant do enough for you. The view from the Bedrooms ,out of this world. All in all an experience not to be missed. Ignore the exterior, everything else far exceedes expectations.

The Craggan is an annual stopping-off point for lunch, for myself and family, when holidaying in the Durness area. Don't be put off by the exterior of the building, which does need a lick of paint. The staff are friendly and polite, while the menu certainly has something for everyone. The only disappointment was that one of our party asked for garlic bread as a starter, and was told she could only have it as an accompaniment to a main course.( A ridiculous rule, costing the hotel money as she then went without a starter!) The waiter explained that they did this so that your appetite is not spoilt! How kind. Otherwise, well worth a visit.

Where to Start.
It cost me £25 per night -it is more mid Summer.
It is a quiet place with great views around and about. The four guest bedrooms are up the stairs from the dining room and whilst each have wash hand basins they share a bathroom (which worked for me as it was quiet when I stayed.) My room was a bright,clean, warm twin bedded room (let to me a single) with a view across to Rabbit Islands.
I sat in the small bar and was introduced by Hamish - who had earlier set me off on a "short" walk along the cliff tops) to the locals who tried invite me into their rounds but I nursed my drink before ordering my food which was fine (except the carrots - sorry Hamish <g>) Although the hotel has a deserved reputation for miles around for offering good food I had not expected to find in Melness my dish of Scallops on smoked mozzarella cheese with a saffron reduction served with mashed potatoes with a black pudding crust (£15.95 - I passed on dessert).
The waiting staff were polite, clearly spoken and attentive.
Kippers for breakfast in the morning served by Kate (Hamish's sister)
The following evening I just had a starter (King prawns in a shallot reduction) followed by food from their extensive take away menus which I ate outside - from the sublime to the ridiculous maybe but it was what I wanted.

I had cereal and a cooked meatless breakfast the second day.

The establishment is run by Hamish who seems a quite laid back person with interesting tales to tell. Ask him about the light aircraft that landed on the sands in the Kyle of Tongue).

Tips
Free WiFi
Hasten slowly.
No debit or Credit cards accepted.
There is Post Office/ general store up the road about a quarter of a mile in Talmine. All post offices allow cash to be taken out & Hamish takes only cash or cheque ( I had paid for my stay before I arrived although no deposit had been requested).
About 200 yards away is a footpath down to Skinnet beach and across the dunes to the sands in the bay.
If you take the main road back towards Tongue there is a Spar on the right that sells petrol.
The walks are a must and the views even from the roads are wonderful.
The Causeway and Bridge across Tongue bay were completed in the '70's and it is worth stopping and having a look around at the causeway view point.

A highspot of my trip along the North coast of Scotland.
Thanks Hamish