This lively Scottish bar in Pitlochry is where you can relax, take in live music, watch live sports and enjoy the best Scotland has to offer from its drinks industry: Scottish Malt Whisky, Scottish Craft Gin, Scottish Craft beer and an ever changing cocktail menu. Plus classic beers and lagers on tap. And for the wine lovers white, red, rose, prosecco, champagne.
Whisky tasting, cocktail parties and more. You’ll never want to leave and keep exploring Pitlochry. We haven’t even mentioned the beer garden yet! Sun, rain, a wee bit of cold the beer garden is the place to watch the world go by in Pitlochry. The beer garden is open daily from 11:00, whatever the weather, and when the sun is out it’s a proper sun trap.
the bar
When looking for a pub in Pitlochry, stop. You’ve found it. McKays Hotel has a lively bar open daily from 11:00 until late. Whatever you call our team, bar tender, sommelier, mixologist they are ready to create your favourite drink.
events
Live music in Pitlochry is synonymous with McKays Hotel, Pitlochry. It is the place for live music. Bands come from all over Scotland just to say they’ve played at McKays.
Entertainment is generally free entry and music starts at 9pm. With plenty of space for you to enjoy the atmosphere near the bands or as background music to your evening.
Live evening entertainment is on every weekend just make sure you’ve booked your table and room for the night. McKays is also the host venue for the annual March into Pitlochry music festival.
events
Every Sunday | 8pm – 10pm
Hosted by Garry Alexander
Gather ’round, friends, for a weekly celebration of Scotland’s rich folk tradition. From the lively lilt of the fiddle to the haunting call of the whistle, Sunday Sessions is a warm-hearted open gathering for music, song, and storytelling.
Whether you’re keen to share a tune, spin a yarn, or simply soak in the sounds, you’re welcome.
Bring your instrument — or just yourself.
Accordions, guitars, banjos, fiddles, drums, double bass, flutes, whistles, mouth organs, keyboards — all welcome.
Sing a song, tell a tale, or join in a chorus. It’s all about the joy of coming together and making music the old-fashioned way — in good company.
Simply Unforgettable!
Unique event venue, in the heart of Pitlochry. Whether you’re hosting a pre-wedding rehearsal dinner, post wedding lunch before everyone heads off, milestone birthday party or any celebration party for that matter. At McKays we know you need, great food, a selection of drinks and someone who will organise it all for you. We enjoy hosting and putting the finishing touches on your event.
Special Occasions
Birthday party, retirement, hen party, baby shower, what have we missed? When you have a special occasion we are more that just rooms. The private function room with bar give you, your space. Now which special occasion will you celebrate at McKays?
With live music contacts from across Scotland, DJs, dance acts just let us know your style and leave the booking to us. Want to decorate the room too. No problem, we can take care of that too. More time for you to spend with your guests and getting you ready.
Corporate
Team building, team away days, team meetings, get everyone together in Pitlochry at McKays. Easy to access by road and rail so everyone arrives fresh and ready for team work.
With plenty of rooms the team can enjoy a meal together, stay over and be ready for more in the morning. With free wifi throughout everyone can keep connected when at the hotel and for team building check out Nae Limits or take a trip around Edradour Distillery. At McKays we can treat the team to whisky tasting, cocktails and more.
Every Thursday at 9pm. The Quizmaster is ready to ease you into the weekend. £2 entry, prizes and nominated charity.
Sunday afternoon With Garry Alexander
Award-winning accordionist and singer, Garry Alexander, performs a professional, lively mix of Ceilidh, Scottish, Irish, Country, and Rock n Roll, featuring hand-clapping, foot-tapping, and danceable tunes.
April
5
Charity Quiz Night
Every Thursday at 9pm. Prizes to be won and all entry fees are donated to local charities. Just ask the Quiz Master which charity is this months pick.
April
9
The Gallivanters
The Gallivanters are professional musicians and have been established as a band for over 22 years. They play a variety of Scottish/Irish folk, Country, 50s & 60s songs and some modern covers.
April
10
Katrina Kennedy
Katrina sings a huge variety of different genres throughout the decades, however upbeat, knee tapping, dancefloor filling country being their favourite and main focus.
April
11
Sunday Sessions With Garry Alexander 8pm - 10pm
Award-winning accordionist and singer, Garry Alexander, performs a professional, lively mix of Ceilidh, Scottish, Irish, Country, and Rock n Roll, featuring hand-clapping, foot-tapping, and danceable tunes.
April
12
Charity Quiz Night
Every Thursday at 9pm. Prizes to be won and all entry fees are donated to local charities. Just ask the Quiz Master which charity is this months pick.
April
16
Stone Preachers
A Celtic rock/pop/country band known for their electrifying performances fusing traditional Scottish spirit with contemporary energy.
April
18
Sunday afternoon With Garry Alexander
Award-winning accordionist and singer, Garry Alexander, performs a professional, lively mix of Ceilidh, Scottish, Irish, Country, and Rock n Roll, featuring hand-clapping, foot-tapping, and danceable tunes.
April
19
Charity Quiz Night
Every Thursday at 9pm. Prizes to be won and all entry fees are donated to local charities. Just ask the Quiz Master which charity is this months pick.
April
23
Rohallion Band
Sharing a passion for energetic traditional music, they blendi influences from Scotland and Ireland to give traditional music a new energy while respecting their roots.
April
24
Sunday afternoon With Garry Alexander
Award-winning accordionist and singer, Garry Alexander, performs a professional, lively mix of Ceilidh, Scottish, Irish, Country, and Rock n Roll, featuring hand-clapping, foot-tapping, and danceable tunes.
April
26
Charity Quiz Night
Every Thursday at 9pm. Prizes to be won and all entry fees are donated to local charities. Just ask the Quiz Master which charity is this months pick.
April
30
The Gallivanters
The Gallivanters are professional musicians and have been established as a band for over 22 years. They play a variety of Scottish/Irish folk, Country, 50s & 60s songs and some modern covers.
May
1
Katrina Kennedy
Katrina sings a huge variety of different genres throughout the decades, however upbeat, knee tapping, dancefloor filling country being their favourite and main focus.
May
2
Sunday afternoon With Garry Alexander
Award-winning accordionist and singer, Garry Alexander, performs a professional, lively mix of Ceilidh, Scottish, Irish, Country, and Rock n Roll, featuring hand-clapping, foot-tapping, and danceable tunes.
May
3
Fun Day With Music (12-4pm)
Chippy 5th Anniversary Party. This will also be used as a fundraiser for Cash For Kids. There will be Bouncy Castles, DJ & Kids Entertainment Candyfloss, Popcorn & Slushies, alpaca meet & greet and music from Clarinish.
May
4
Charity Quiz Night
Every Thursday at 9pm. Prizes to be won and all entry fees are donated to local charities. Just ask the Quiz Master which charity is this months pick.
May
7
Andrew Acoustic
Making popular music sound intimate and making overplayed songs sound brand new to the ear. Andrew creates a perfect vibe for you to enjoy yourself.
May
8
Tom & Norrie (6-9pm)
More information coming soon.
May
9
Sunday afternoon With Garry Alexander
Award-winning accordionist and singer, Garry Alexander, performs a professional, lively mix of Ceilidh, Scottish, Irish, Country, and Rock n Roll, featuring hand-clapping, foot-tapping, and danceable tunes.
May
10
Charity Quiz Night
Every Thursday at 9pm. Prizes to be won and all entry fees are donated to local charities. Just ask the Quiz Master which charity is this months pick.
May
14
Clarinish (With DJ Set After)
Clarinish are a dynamic duo who play a wide mix of music, including ceilidh, Scottish, Irish, Country, and rock n Roll.
May
15
Scotland Rocks
Scotland Rocks are the original Scottish tribute act, covering all the best Scottish music and Beyond, from 1950’s to the present day, rock, pop, - they have it covered!
May
16
Sunday Afternoon With Garry Alexander
Award-winning accordionist and singer, Garry Alexander, performs a professional, lively mix of Ceilidh, Scottish, Irish, Country, and Rock n Roll, featuring hand-clapping, foot-tapping, and danceable tunes.
May
17
Charity Quiz Night
Every Thursday at 9pm. Prizes to be won and all entry fees are donated to local charities. Just ask the Quiz Master which charity is this months pick.
May
21
Pete's Boys
Pete and his friends will be playing an eclectic mix of popular pop/rock / Blues and Country songs across the the decades.
May
22
Bruach
Bruach are a Foot-Stomping Folk band from Errol in Perthshire. They love to get the crowd on their feet and singing along!
May
23
Sunday Afternoon With Garry Alexander
Award-winning accordionist and singer, Garry Alexander, performs a professional, lively mix of Ceilidh, Scottish, Irish, Country, and Rock n Roll, featuring hand-clapping, foot-tapping, and danceable tunes.
May
24
Charity Quiz Night
Every Thursday at 9pm. Prizes to be won and all entry fees are donated to local charities. Just ask the Quiz Master which charity is this months pick.
May
28
Rohallion Band
Sharing a passion for energetic traditional music, they blendi influences from Scotland and Ireland to give traditional music a new energy while respecting their roots.
May
29
Clarinish (With DJ Set After)
Clarinish are a dynamic duo who play a wide mix of music, including ceilidh, Scottish, Irish, Country, and rock n Roll.
May
30
Sunday Afternoon With Garry Alexander
Award-winning accordionist and singer, Garry Alexander, performs a professional, lively mix of Ceilidh, Scottish, Irish, Country, and Rock n Roll, featuring hand-clapping, foot-tapping, and danceable tunes.
May
31
Charity Quiz Night
Every Thursday at 9pm. Prizes to be won and all entry fees are donated to local charities. Just ask the Quiz Master which charity is this months pick.
June
4
Rohallion Band
Sharing a passion for energetic traditional music, they blendi influences from Scotland and Ireland to give traditional music a new energy while respecting their roots.
June
5
Adam Fortune
Adam Fortune is an exciting singer/songwriter who is carrying on the musical legacy of Mic Christopher, Lisa Hannigan and Dick Gaughan as well as bands such as The Waterboys, The Cure and The Frames.
June
6
Sunday Afternoon With Garry Alexander
Award-winning accordionist and singer, Garry Alexander, performs a professional, lively mix of Ceilidh, Scottish, Irish, Country, and Rock n Roll, featuring hand-clapping, foot-tapping, and danceable tunes.
June
7
World Cup Quiz Night
A World Cup themed edition of our charity quiz from 9pm! Just ask the Quiz Master which charity is this months pick.
June
11
The Gallivanters
The Gallivanters are professional musicians and have been established as a band for over 22 years. They play a variety of Scottish/Irish folk, Country, 50s & 60s songs and some modern covers.
June
12