Marinas, moorings and harbours in Scotland
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The number and quality of marinas and pontoon facilities up and down the country has expanded to keep pace with Scotland’s growing popularity as a cruising destination.
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Tarbert marina, Argyll
These stop-off points cater for all classes of boat and many are superbly equipped. They are ideal for refuelling, stocking up on provisions for the rest of your trip or simply enjoying some time on land.
West Coast and Firth of Clyde
Argyll's west coast is one of the heartlands of Scottish cruising and boasts half a dozen modern marinas with many other boating businesses offering moorings and other services.
On the Firth of Clyde, too, there are now some 12 locations offering pontoon berthing, whether in a major marina or a traditional harbour. The smaller marinas and boatyards with moorings contribute to the wider network of facilities which make weekend or longer cruising trips in this area such a pleasure. The larger yacht harbours are often destinations in their own right, offering a full range of visitor facilities within easy reach of the berths.
East Coast
New developments along Scotland's east coast and in the Orkney and Shetland islands (see below), have greatly improved the facilities available to visitors sailing across the North Sea. There are now a chain of eight marinas covering from John o' Groats to the English Border, with a number of former fishing harbours also installing leisure boating facilities and moorings.
Orkney and Shetland
Facilities for visiting cruising yachts in Orkney and Shetand have increased and improved dramatically in the last few years, making the area a destination in its own right particularly for visitors sailing from Scandinavia or northern Europe. Over 100 small islands and almost 1000 miles of coastline which include a wonderful combination of dramatic cliffs and sheltered, natural harbours make this part of Scotland an ideal place for cruising.
Shetland has 17 marinas, although some are only suitable and deep enough for local small craft.
Orkney's main marinas are at Kirkwall, Stromness and Westray. Visiting yachts can purchase a great value 'rover' ticket which covers all three marinas and all Orkney Islands Council piers and moorings.
RYA Active Marina Programme
The Active Marina Programme is designed to help you more out of life with your boat. The programme encourages and supports increased berth holder activity by partnering with marinas, RYA recognised training centres, berth holder groups and yacht clubs to establish or enhance a programme of training, cruising and social opportunities.
Further information
- Maps of Scottish cruising areas showing marinas and moorings
- Sail North Scotland (marinas in northern Scotland, including Orkney and Shetland)
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