Visiting
Scrabster Harbour is nestled in the west end of Thurso Bay, sheltered by grass-covered cliffs and overlooking the dramatic coastline featuring the iconic Dunnet Head. We are easily reached by road, rail, air and sea.
Getting here
Scrabster lies just two miles north west of Thurso, Caithness, served by the A9 trunk road. Caithness benefits from strong transport networks both to mainland Scotland and to the islands.
By road
The well-maintained A9 runs all the way to Scrabster, providing vital connectivity to the central belt of Scotland.
By air
Caithness benefits from regular flights to Aberdeen, with a flight time of less than 40 minutes and excellent onward connections.
By rail
Scotrail runs four trains per day to Thurso on the picturesque Far North Line, allowing for easy access by rail.
Parking
Parking is available beside the ferry marshalling area where you pay on exit. The exit barrier accepts a token which can be obtained from the ferry booking office or the harbour office. Additional parking is available in the car park in front of Scrabster Hotel. Both car parks are operated by the Harbour Trust and the charge is £15 per week, or part thereof. Booking is not required as space is normally available in one of the car parks. If space is not available, contact the harbour office for overspill parking areas.
All vehicles are parked on Trust property entirely at the owner’s risk. The Trust accepts no liability for any damage to, or caused by, any vehicle parked or being driven on its property. Please note that no vehicle shall park outside of the designated parking areas unless with the prior written consent of the Harbour Master.
Berths
Scrabster offers a range of safe, sheltered berthing options, from pontoons for smaller boats to deep-water quays. You’ll find a well-managed harbour with straightforward access, helpful on-site facilities, and support from the Harbour team. As a busy working port, we recommend getting in touch ahead of your arrival to help everything run smoothly.
Facilities
A variety of berths are available to suit different vessel sizes, with good depth and access to pontoons within the inner harbour. Water and shore power are available, with the Harbour team on hand to advise on the best option for your visit.
Rates
Berthing is priced simply and fairly, based on the size and type of vessel, with short-stay options available for visiting boats. Additional services such as electricity are charged separately, and the Harbour team will be happy to talk you through costs in advance.
Contact
Visiting vessels should contact the Harbour Master in advance to arrange berthing and confirm availability. Call via VHF Channel 12 on approach or contact our team directly and we will be happy to help.
Location
On the North coast of mainland Scotland.
Latitude: 58º 36.66’N
Longitude: 03º 32.6’W
Port Limits
Scrabster Harbour is particularly defined in the Scrabster Harbour Acts 1841 to 2011 which are summarised as follows:
The seaward harbour limit shall be extended to include the following area:
From a point on the shore at Holborn Head at 58˚ 37’.22 N, 03˚ 32’.06W in a straight line due north to 58˚ 38’.14 N, 03˚32’.08 W, then in a straight line due east to 58˚38’.18 N, 03˚ 26’.17 W then in a straight line approximately east south east to 58˚ 37’.37N, 03˚ 22’.57 W then in a straight line due south to 58˚ 36’.19 N, 03˚ 22’.54 W then in a straight line approximately west north west to 58˚ 36’.57N, 03˚ 25’.59 W, then in a straight line due west to 58˚ 36’.56 N, 03˚ 28’.30 W, then in a straight line approximately west south west to the former Coastguard Station Scrabster at 58˚ 36’.03 N, 03˚ 32’.18 W.”
Under Keel Clearance
A minimum under keel clearance of 1.0 metres should be maintained at all times when manoeuvring within the harbour area.
Pilotage
The Harbour Trust appoints Pilots and although pilotage is not compulsory, it is recommended for first arrivals and vessels carrying dangerous goods.
Pilot Station: 58˚ 36’.52 N 03˚ 31’.70 W
Pontoons
Pontoons are available for approximately 35 vessels up to 15 metres LOA. The pontoons are located in the Inner Basin and dredged to -2.0 metres at C.D.
Berthing application and waiting list operates.
NOTE: Visiting Yachts and Leisure Crafts can obtain fuel at the harbour from Simpson Oils Ltd. They can be contacted on 01955 604444.
Pre arrival requirements
Under the Merchant Shipping (Traffic Monitoring and Reporting Requirements) vessels are required to provide notification to their intended port of call at least 24 hours in advance.
The requirement is applicable to all vessels of 300GT and over, with the following exceptions:
Exceptions
- fishing vessels under 45 metres loa
- traditional ships under 45 m loa
- pleasure craft under 45 metres
- warships
- naval auxiliaries
- other ships operated or owned by the government of an EEA state which are used for non-commercial public service.
Notes for masters and agents
Masters and agents are advised that failure to provide notification at the appropriate time may result in the ship being delayed or denied access to the harbour authority areas and ports.
Masters or agents of exempt vessels should forward evidence of their ship’s status to the harbour authority operations room at least 24 hours prior to arrival.
Retail, food and beverage
Scrabster is more than a working harbour – it’s also a place to pause and enjoy the best that the Highlands has to offer. Whether you’re looking for a quiet drink overlooking the marina, or a taste of freshly-landed seafood, there’s plenty here to tempt you.
Live like a local
Attractions
