Dunnet Bay Distillers was launched by husband and wife team Martin and Claire Murray and is the most northerly distillery on the UK mainland. The couple had a dream to return to Caithness to start their own business together which can be traced back to their university days. However, it was a change in licensing laws in 2009 that paved the way for Martin and Claire realise their dream. The couple moved home from France, built their own house and distillery which opened in 2014. Martin had a background in oil & gas while Claire came from hospitality so their skills complemented each other's perfectly. The first copper pot still, Elizabeth, was installed and the recipe for their first release - Rock Rose Gin - was perfected and released in August 2014. Dunnet Bay Distillers has grown to employ 14 people, allowing Martin and Claire to live and work in Caithness. Dunnet Bay Distillers won the Scottish Gin Distillery of the Year at the Scottish Gin Awards in 2019 and has picked up multiple awards for their gins and vodkas.