Scrabster

Port information

Prinsendam and Hebridean Princess berthed at Scrabster (c) Scrabster Harbour Trust

Scrabster

Scrabster, the most Northerly port on the Scottish mainland was, for several decades, the port of choice for the British Queen and her family when they disembarked from the Royal Yacht Britannia every August to visit the Queen Mother at her Highland holiday home, Castle of Mey, 11 miles from Scrabster. Today, cruise line passengers can follow in their footsteps, as the Castle is open to visitors.

Situated within walking distance of Thurso, the second largest town in the Highlands, the Queen Elizabeth Pier has opened up the remote and beautiful landscape of the Far North to larger cruise vessels. The pier is 180 metres long, with a depth at Chart Datum of 8 metres. Deep-water anchorage is available within 0.2 nautical miles of the harbour..

The area has much to offer visitors, with a wealth of historic buildings, heritage centres and tours viewing the majestic North Coast and all the wildlife and natural heritage on offer.

Port attractions

Castle and Gardens of Mey
The late Queen Mother acquired the Castle of Mey, renovated and restored it and created the beautiful gardens you see today. For almost half a century she spent many happy summers here.
Pulteney Distillery, Wick
The most Northerly distillery on the Scottish mainland established in 1826, Pulteney Distillery is found in 'Pulteneytown', the town created to house fishermen during Wick’s 'herring boom'.
Mackay Clan and Strathnaver Museum
An hour’s drive west of Scrabster, on a spectacular stretch of coastline in the land known as Mackay Country, lies Strathnaver Museum, located in the former parish church of St Columba, built in 1700
Land and People
Tours are available from Scrabster, viewing areas such as Dunnet and Duncansby Heads; the Caithness Flow Country, John O'Groats, and heritage centres at Wick, Dunbeath, Laidhay and Helmsdale.