Charges
Please note that the charges, rates and dues contained on this website are applicable from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027 and should be read together with our terms and conditions.
The Trust will waive any charge for vessels entering the Harbour Limits and/or docking solely for safety by stress of weather. This waiver shall extend only until such time as the Harbour Master shall deem appropriate and thereafter the vessel shall be subject to the normal charges under this Schedule.
NOTE: In the event of payment being made in a foreign currency, either by cash or cheque/draft, there will be a handling fee applied in addition to the charges listed.
Charges for Fishing Vessels as from 1st April 2026:
1. Fishing Vessels Entering Harbour Limits But Not Docking
Each fishing vessel whether with cargoes or passengers or in ballast, that enters the Harbour Limits for orders, repairs, convenience, crew changes or stores, but does not use a Pier, break bulk or goods, or embark or disembark passengers shall on each occasion of entering Harbour Limits pay £0.97 per m LOA (metre of length overall, measured to the next highest full metre).
This charge applies to three (3) day periods, or part thereof and will be due for each subsequent three (3) day period.
2. Fishing Vessels Entering Harbour And Docking At A Trust Pier
Each fishing vessel for which compound annual rates have not been paid, shall on each occasion of entering Harbour Limits and docking pay £2.44 per m LOA (metre of length overall, measured to the next highest full metre).
This charge applies to three (3) day periods, or part thereof, and will be due for each subsequent three (3) day period.
3. Fishing Vessels Electing To Pay Compounded Charges
Each fishing vessel entering Harbour Limits and docking may elect to pay the following annual compound charges:
Per metre of Length Overall (LOA) measured to the next highest full metre:
Eligibility and Application
Compounded Rates are available, by prior written agreement with the Trust, to fishing vessels based at or operating regularly from Scrabster Harbour. Applications must be made in writing to the Harbour Master in advance of the relevant charging year (1 April – 31 March).
Granting of a Compounded Rate is at the discretion of the Trust and is subject to annual review.
Qualifying Criteria
To qualify for a Compounded Rate, a vessel must:
Demonstrate Regular and Genuine Use of the Port
Have landed fish through Scrabster Fish Market or otherwise consigned landings through the port on not fewer than ten (10) separate occasions within the preceding twelve (12) months.
Payment of a Compounded Rate does not include or discharge liability for ad valorem wharfage charges on fish landed, which shall be payable in accordance with Part 5 of this Schedule.
Such landings must represent bona fide commercial fishing activity conducted in the ordinary course of business and of a normal commercial value relative to the vessel’s size, method of fishing and operational pattern.
The Trust reserves the right to disregard nominal, token or irregular landings which, in its reasonable opinion, are undertaken primarily for the purpose of securing or retaining eligibility for a Compounded Rate rather than reflecting substantive commercial use of the port.
Provide Landing Information
All landing returns or other landing information reasonably required by the Trust for the purpose of verifying port usage must be submitted in a complete and accurate form within the prescribed timescales. Vessels exceeding 15 metres LOA shall submit landing information on a monthly basis, within thirty (30) days of the end of each calendar month. Vessels up to and including 15 metres LOA shall submit landing information on a quarterly basis, within thirty (30) days of the end of each quarter (30 June, 30 September, 31 December and 31 March). Failure to provide the required information within the stated timescales may result in suspension or withdrawal of the Compounded Rate until such time as the position is regularised.
Maintain Accounts in Good Order
Have no outstanding sums due to the Trust out with agreed settlement terms and have maintained a satisfactory payment record during the previous twelve (12) months.
Comply with Harbour Directions
Comply with all directions of the Harbour Master, including those relating to berthing, movement, storage of gear, and the safe and efficient use of harbour space.
Failure to satisfy any of the above criteria may result in refusal, suspension or withdrawal of a Compounded Rate at the discretion of the Trust.
Vessels Up to and Including 15 Metres LOA
Designated berths within the inner harbour basin are strictly limited and allocated at the discretion of the Harbour Master, having regard to vessel size, operational activity and availability of space.
Vessels under 15 metres without a designated berth will not qualify for a Compounded Rate.
Vessels Exceeding 15 Metres LOA
Vessels exceeding 15 metres LOA do not receive designated berths and shall berth in accordance with the directions of the Harbour Master.
For vessels exceeding 15 metres LOA, the Compounded Rate is intended to cover normal operational turnaround. Continuous occupation of a Trust pier in excess of ten (10) days may, at the discretion of the Harbour Master, result in additional charges being applied in accordance with Section 2 of this Part.
Ongoing Compliance
Eligibility form a Compounded Rate is conditional upon continued compliance throughout the charging year. The Trust reserves the right to review eligibility where:
- Landing activity materially reduces
- Required information is not provided within the prescribed timescales
- Accounts fall into arrears, of the Vessel’s use of harbour facilities is inconsistent with efficient space management or operational requirements
Where a Compounded Rate is withdrawn, charges will revert to the standard rates applicable under Section 2 of this part with effect from the date determined by the Trust.
Charges for Other Commercial Vessels as from 1st April 2026:
1. Vessels entering harbour limits but not docking
Non-fishing commercial vessels shall pay the following charges for entering the Harbour Limits but not docking:
These charges apply to three (3) day periods, or part thereof. All vessels shall pay one third (1/3) of the charge for each subsequent day, or part thereof, that they remain in the Harbour.
2. Vessels entering harbour limits and docking
These charges apply to three (3) day periods, or part thereof. All vessels shall pay one third (1/3) of the charge for each subsequent day, or part thereof, that they remain in the Harbour.
3. Compounded charges for sea angling charter vessels (annual registration charge) (see notes below)
Vessels which are engaged in Sports Fishing activities to or from any Pier, but which are not engaged in regular trade between the Scottish Mainland and Island Communities, may elect to pay the following annual compound charges for entering the Harbour Limits and docking:
Compound charges shall be agreed in writing with the Harbour Master no later than one week prior to the commencement of the annual period, being 1st April to 31st March, or otherwise at the sole discretion of the Harbour Master. All compound charges must be paid prior to commencement of the annual period.
A compound charge will not be agreed where there are outstanding sums due to the Trust out with the normal settlement terms or landing information is outstanding or where a vessel has regularly been in arrears during the previous 12 months.
The compound charge entitles the vessel to occupy any Pier continuously for up to twenty eight (28) days at a time. After this period has expired additional charges will be payable in accordance with the charges detailed in Section 2 above.
Owners who fail to pay the appropriate compound charge within 30 days of receiving an invoice from the Trust will be liable to pay the charges detailed in Section 2 above.
To qualify for compounded rates, an appropriately completed berthing application form and evidence of adequate insurance for the entire period that the vessel shall remain in the harbour must be provided to the Harbour Master. Berthing applications are available to download or request from the Harbour Master. Owners who fail to complete the berthing application and provide evidence of insurance to the Trust will be liable to pay the charges detailed in Section 2 above.
Notes
1. VAT applies to all vessels under 15 GT.
2. Please note that the Trust’s Terms and Conditions apply.
3. Scheduled berthing means the number of berthings advertised in the published timetable of the operating company.
Charges for Pleasure Craft as from 1st April 2026
NOTE: Visiting Yachts and Leisure Crafts can obtain fuel at the harbour from Simpson Oils Ltd. They can be contacted on 01955 604444
1.
2.
Pleasure Craft may elect to pay a seasonal compound charge per half year or part thereof between 1st April and 30th September, for entering the Harbour and docking as follows:
3.
In addition to those charges levied at paragraph 2, a non-seasonal compound charge per half year or part thereof between 1st October and 31st March, will be invoiced for each pleasure craft or sailing yacht, entering, using or leaving the Harbour or its defined limits as follows:
4.
Pleasure Craft may elect to pay the following non-seasonal compound charges between 1st October and 31st March, for storing such vessels on lands owned or leased by the Trust PER MONTH, or part thereof as follows:
Notes
1. Owners who fail to pay the appropriate compound charge within 30 days of receiving an invoice from the Trust will be liable to pay £23 per day.
2. To qualify for compounded rates, an appropriately completed berthing application form and evidence of adequate insurance for the entire period that the vessel shall remain in the Harbour must be provided to the Harbour Master upon request. Berthing applications are available to download or request from the Harbour Master. Owners who fail to complete the berthing application and provide evidence of insurance to the Trust will be liable to pay £23 per day.
3. VAT shall be charged at the current rate on vessels under 15 Gross Tonnes.
4. The above charges include a charge for the provision of waste reception facilities for normal domestic waste.
5. As storage facilities are very limited, it is advisable to contact the Harbour Master in advance to check availability.
6. Owners are required to regularly attend to their boats. Where harbour staff are required to attend to a boat, a charge of £50 will be applied, at the Harbour Master’s discretion.
7. Please note that the Trust’s Terms and Conditions apply.
Charges for Pontoons as from 1st April 2026
NOTE: Visiting Yachts and Leisure Crafts can obtain fuel at the harbour from Simpson Oils Ltd. They can be contacted on 01955 604444
1. All visiting pleasure craft and sailing yachts entering, using or leaving the Pontoon Berths
2. Registered Fishing Boats (Full Time)
Per metre of Length Overall (LOA), measured to the next highest full metre:
3. Registered Fishing Boats (Part Time)
4. Leisure Craft (1st April 2026 – 31st March 2027)
Per metre of Length Overall (LOA), measured to the next highest full metre:
5. Commercial Charter Vessel
Notes
1. Minimum charge for all craft based on 5 metres overall length.
2. Owners who fail to pay the appropriate compound charge within 30 days of receiving an invoice from the Trust will lose the right to a Pontoon Berth.
3. To qualify for compounded rates, an appropriately completed berthing application form and evidence of adequate insurance for the entire period that the vessel shall remain in the Harbour must be provided to the Harbour Master upon request. Berthing applications are available to download or request from the Harbour Master. Owners who fail to complete the berthing application and provide evidence of insurance to the Trust will lose the right to a Pontoon Berth and be instructed to remove the vessel to a quayside location.
4. VAT shall be charged at the current rate on vessels under 15 Gross Tonnes.
5. The above charges include a charge for the provision of waste reception facilities for normal domestic waste.
6. Rates only available to Fishing Vessels where all landing information is up to date.
7. When a vessel is sold the owner shall give up the right to a Pontoon. A proportional refund may be payable where harbour dues have been paid in advance.
8. The allocation of Pontoons are under the control of the Harbour Master. No sub-letting is permitted however the Harbour Trust reserves the right to make temporary use of any unoccupied berths.
9. To qualify for charging under the category of full time fishing vessel, fish or shell fish landings must have been made on a weekly basis for the previous 12 months.
10. Owners are required to regularly attend to their boats. Where harbour staff are required to attend to a boat, a charge of £50 will be applied, at the Harbour Master’s discretion.
11. Please note that the Trust’s Terms and Conditions apply.
Wharfage Charges on Goods and Passengers as from 1st April 2026
1. Foods etc.
2. Basic materials and fertilisers (per tonne)
3. Fuel etc. (per tonne)
4. Contractors’ plant machinery
5. Wind turbines and equipment
6. Other renewable plant machinery and equipment
7. Oil and gas related equipment and materials (per tonne)
8. Explosives
9. Heavy lifts
10. General cargoes
11. Passengers
12. Vehicles
13. Livestock
Notes
1. Please note that no quay storage is available. All cargo should be loaded direct to transport for trans-shipment unless otherwise authorised by the Harbour Master.
2. The Trust prohibits the bringing of goods of a dangerous or explosive character (as defined in the Dangerous Substances in Harbour Areas Regulations 1987) onto Trust owned or leased property unless the master, owner or agent of the vessel has given the Harbour Master not less than 24 hours prior notice and the Harbour Master has subsequently given his prior written consent.
3. A charge, at a rate of 50% of the relevant charge listed in part 5 of the Schedule, will be levied in respect of the trans-shipment of goods within the harbour area.
4. There will be no charge for bunkers loaded on to vessels where these bunkers have been imported by sea direct into Scrabster. In all other cases there will be a charge at the relevant petroleum products rate.
5. VAT applies to all vessels under 15 GT
6. For the avoidance of doubt, Fish Feed shall be charged under 1 (e) All Other Foods
7. Wharfage charges on fish and shellfish landings are payable in addition to any vessel dues or Compounded Rate and apply to all vessels without exception
8. Please note that the Trust’s Terms and Conditions apply.
Charges for Miscellaneous as from 1st April 2026:
1. Weighbridge charges
2. Water charges
3. Ice (per tonne)
4. Mooring / unmooring parties (per man)
5. Link span
6. Gangway
7. Slipway (hard ramp)
8. Waste disposal
9. Security
10. Electricity charges (shore power facilities)
11. Hire of a meeting room
12. Forklift assistance
13. Fender hire
Notes
1. Owners/Skippers who wish to make use of the slipway facilities situated at the North West corner of the Inner Harbour are required to register their bookings in advance, giving the Harbour Master as much notice as possible. In an emergency, owners/skippers may, providing it is clear of other vessels and safe to do so, put their vessels onto the slipway, having informed the Harbour Master of their intentions.
2. Ships must pay a mandatory charge to make a significant contribution to the cost of the port reception facilities for ship generated waste, whether they use them or not. Port Waste Reception Facilities Regulation 2003.
3. Where a vessel enters and exits the Harbour multiple times within a 7-day period, the Trust may apply a single weekly waste charge at its discretion.
4. Please note that the Trust’s Terms and Conditions apply.
Pilotage and Harbour Craft Charges as from 1st April 2026
1. Use of pilot
The taking of a pilot within the Thurso (Scrabster) pilotage area is not compulsory. However, it is recommended for vessels carrying dangerous cargoes and those who are entering/leaving Scrabster Harbour for the first time.
“Normal Working Hours” for pilotage purposes shall be deemed to be Monday-Friday (0800-1700) (excluding Scottish public holidays). Out with normal working hours the Trust reserves the right to double the charges.
Charges will be levied as follows:
2. Use of pilot launch
For each act of pilotage, every vessel shall pay a charge for the boarding/landing of the pilot as follows:-
Harbour craft
Please note that harbour craft may not be available when the harbour launch is involved in pilotage duties. It is advisable to contact the Harbour Master in advance to check availability of harbour craft.
The following hourly rates will be applicable when the harbour launch is not engaged in pilotage duties:
Notes
1. Marine Officers of the Scrabster Harbour Trust undergoing training may, from time to time, accompany the authorised pilot but such trainees shall not be considered to be assistants to the pilot, and no extra charge shall accrue to any vessel in respect of such trainee.
2. An up-to-date ship’s register shall be produced by the Owner/Skipper upon request from the Harbour Master.
3. Where the pilot boat is used for a combined activity of boarding/landing the pilot and also assisting the vessel during berthing/unberthing the charges in section 3. Harbour Craft will apply (£460.00/£665.00).
4. Please note that the Trust’s Terms and Conditions apply.
Storage Charges as from 1st April 2026
Lockable gear stores
Storage facilities are subject to availability of units and units will be allocated at the sole discretion of the Harbour Master. All storage charges (inclusive of rates) must be paid in advance, monthly, six-monthly or annually, as the case may be as follows:
1. Undercover Lockable Gear Stores
| Size | Per Month | Per 6 months | Per Annum |
| Large Cages (36 sq. m.) | £210.92 | £992.02 | £1,881.42 |
| Small Cages (27 sq. m.) | £161.69 | £738.31 | £1,431.98 |
2. General storage
It is advisable to contact the Harbour Master in advance to check availability.
3. Net mending facilities
Notes
1. No goods or equipment shall be stored on the quay without the prior consent of and as directed by the Harbour Master.
2. Goods or equipment stored without such permission will be charged at twice the above rates.
3. The Trust prohibits the bringing of goods of a dangerous or explosive character onto Trust owned or leased property in accordance with the Dangerous Substances in Harbour Areas Regulations 1987. Subject to said regulations, the Trust will permit such goods only with the master, owner or agent of the vessel giving the Harbour Master not less than 24 hours prior notice and the Harbour Master subsequently giving his prior written consent.
4. Please note that the Trust’s Terms and Conditions apply.
Vehicle Parking Charges as from 1st April 2026
Vehicle Parking Charges
Under Part III, Section 8 of the Scrabster Harbour Order Confirmation Act of 1975, the Trustees are empowered to provide and maintain parking places on any land belonging to or held by them and may make a charge in respect of any vehicle left at any such parking space. Motor vehicles may be parked in the designated parking areas for £15 per week or part thereof.
Notes
1. All vehicles are parked on Trust property entirely at the owner’s risk.
2. The Trust accepts no liability for any damage to, or caused by, any vehicle parked or being driven on its property.
3. Please note that no vehicle shall park outside of the designated parking areas unless with the prior written consent of the Harbour Master.
4. Please note that the Trust’s Terms and Conditions apply.
