The Waterfront Nightclub in Wick may be set in stone as a local institution but that doesn’t mean the owners are complacent. SLTA member Robert Sutherland speaks to Karen Peattie.
VISITORS arriving in Wick by road can’t fail to see the flagstone “Welcome to the Royal Burgh of Wick” signs on the A99 at both sides of the Caithness town. Designed and built by local firm Caithness Flagstone, they’ve become striking local landmarks.
Another local landmark is The Waterfront Nightclub on The Shore, also owned by the firm which proudly lays claim to being the world’s premier producer of Caithness Stone. Robert Sutherland is the man tasked with running both companies established by his father, John, a prolific local businessman.
As the only nightclub in Wick, the 1,200-capacity Waterfront has a captive market and is a well-known music and events venue. “My father built the club in 1993 so it’s pretty much a local institution,” says Robert.
Business has been good over the last few years, thanks in part to local construction work which has brought an influx of around 1,800 workers into the town. “There’s been a lot happening in Wick,” Robert explains. “Construction work has included new high school and two primary schools.”
Robert Sutherland
Wick, a former Viking settlement and the main town in the far north of mainland Scotland, was once the busiest herring port in Europe. Today, it has a population of around 7,200 and derives much of its business from tourism with Lower Pulteneytown, a self-contained fishing community designed by Thomas Telford, one of Britain’s greatest civil engineers, a popular attraction in the town.
Also popular with visitors is Old Pulteney Distillery and Ebenezer Place, the shortest street in the world at just 2.06 metres as confirmed by Guinness World Records.
“We’re pretty remote but it’s a busy town with a great buzz and plenty going on,” Robert points out. “That doesn’t mean we can sit back and wait for people to come through the door – we have to work hard to keep customers interested and also use Facebook to promote events.
“For example, last December we had the Red Hot Chilli Pipers performing and we had 950 people through the door.”
Securing a late licence has also given profits a boost. “We’re open from Thursday to Sunday and have a licence until 3am which means people can leave the pubs then come to us, giving everyone a bit of business,” explains Robert. “It also means there’s not a mass of people leaving the club at the same time so it keeps the neighbours happy too.
“We’re a friendly club and attract a wide range of customers ranging from 18-year-olds to people in their sixties,” he continues. “There’s a main hall and dance floor with a long bar and restaurant/bar plus a separate VIP area upstairs if you want to skip the queue and get table service.”
A keen supporter of the SLTA at both local and national level, Robert says: “I think everyone involved in the licensed trade should be a member of the SLTA because it keeps you up to date with everything that’s happening in the industry and can provide key information on legislation.
“When you’re in an area like Caithness, you don’t always hear everything that’s going on so a good trade association can really help you stay on top of things.”