
The story of Ebenezer Place begins in 1883 when entrepreneur Alexander Sinclair returned to Wick after making his fortune in America. Sinclair built Mackay’s Hotel on the corner of Union Street and River Street, a prominent intersection in the town. The hotel featured a quirky architectural detail: a narrow frontage at the extreme corner of the building, barely wider than a doorway.
Town officials insisted that this tiny stretch needed an official street name, both for postal and legal purposes. Sinclair, or the town council, selected the name Ebenezer Place, and it quickly appeared in town records by 1887, officially recognizing the street despite its minuscule size.
Guinness World Record Recognition and Global Fame

Though Ebenezer Place existed officially for a century, it wasn’t until 2006 that the Guinness Book of World Records formally recognized it as the world’s shortest street, measuring just 2.06 meters (6 feet 9 inches) long. This recognition came after the opening of a small bistro using the address No. 1 Ebenezer Place on the hotel’s narrow facade.
Before Ebenezer Place took the record, Elgin Street in Bacup, England—at a length of 5.2 meters—was considered the shortest street in the world. The quirky designation of Ebenezer Place captured the public imagination, bringing visitors and tourists keen to witness the world’s tiniest street.
What’s It Like to Visit Ebenezer Place?

A visit to Ebenezer Place is a brief but memorable experience. It might be tempting to dismiss it as a mere curiosity, but standing there, you appreciate the intersection of history, local character, and urban planning bureaucracy that gave birth to such an anomaly.
The street consists entirely of the hotel’s narrow façade, with no room for other businesses or homes. The address corresponds to the entrance to the hotel’s bistro, making it simultaneously functional and whimsical.
Visitors often combine the stop with meals at Mackay’s Hotel’s No1 Bistro and a stroll through the scenic town of Wick, immersing themselves in local Highland culture. The street also connects Union Street and River Street, making it a tiny but official passage.
Fun Facts and Trivia About Ebenezer Place
- Ebenezer Place is only 2.06 meters (6 feet 9 inches) long—roughly the length of two average adult men lying head to toe.
- It holds a unique claim as the only street with a single official address: No. 1 Ebenezer Place.
- Alexander Sinclair, the hotel’s builder, is said to have made his fortune in America before returning to Wick to build Mackay’s Hotel.
- The street’s official recognition by Guinness took more than 100 years after it was first named in 1887.
- The Guinness World Record adjudicator, Craig Glenday, traveled through harsh Scottish weather to personally measure and confirm the record in 2006.
- The house in question, Mackay’s Hotel, offers visitors a chance to stay “on the world’s shortest street.”
- Ebenezer Place’s claim to fame has helped promote tourism and local pride for the town of Wick.
- The name “Ebenezer” means “stone of help” and has biblical origins, reflecting the era’s naming conventions.
A Small Street with a Big Story
Ebenezer Place in Wick, Scotland, is a charming reminder that size is not everything. This tiny street’s world record and fascinating backstory make it a delightful footnote in urban geography and a shining example of how even the smallest spaces can hold a big place in history.
Whether you’re a world record enthusiast, a Scottish traveler, or someone curious about the oddities of human settlements, Ebenezer Place invites a quick visit and a memorable photo opportunity. After all, it’s not every day you get to say you’ve walked on the world’s shortest street.
If this tiny slice of Scottish history captivated you, share this article to spread awareness of one of the quirkiest and most lovable world records.
Sources & Further Reading:
- Mackays Hotel: The World’s Shortest Street
- Wikipedia: Ebenezer Place, Wick
- Guinness World Records: Shortest Street Record
- TripAdvisor: Visitor Reviews of Ebenezer Place
- Saiga Tours: Shortest Street in the World
These sources provide detailed historical context, measurements, and visitor insights into Ebenezer Place’s unique claim and enduring appeal.

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