Marquee will be put to use as Dunnet hotel welcomes regulars and visitors
Dunnet hotel owner Martin Nicolson says he and his staff are looking forward to welcoming regulars and visitors, and will do "as much as we can" as restrictions are eased.
The Northern Sands will be reopen on Monday and will be making use of its large marquee and associated facilities, installed at a cost of around £100,000 last year to provide a food and drink area.
The hotel is close to Dunnet beach and next to Dunnet Bay Distillers on the North Coast 500 route.
"The marquee will open for food and alcohol until 10pm as per restrictions," Mr Nicolson said. "The Links restaurant and Pentland lounge will be open for food and soft drinks until 8pm daily.
"We are looking forward to welcoming everyone back, from the regulars who have missed their local pub to the visitors who have had to delay plans to visit our county and enjoy what we have to offer.
"Last season was difficult and has taken its toll on a number of local businesses. We know challenges still face us, with restrictions continuing and further measures delaying events for people – such as weddings being postponed yet again.
"We will do as much as we can within restrictions for all our customers.
"We are lucky that we have the marquee in our outside space and are able to open again on Monday. We would ask everyone coming to visit us that they adhere to guidance so that everyone stays as safe as they can and we avoid tighter restrictions in future."
Andrew Mowat, proprietor of the Seaview Hotel at John O’Groats, is also gearing up for reopening following this week's announcement by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon about the easing of restrictions from April 26.
Mr Mowat said: "We are delighted to be able to reopen and welcome back our many customers.
"It has been a long, hard winter but we are looking forward to what is hopefully a safe and busy summer season."