21 Best Scottish Harbours and Seaside Towns

There are lovely picturesque Scottish harbours and seaside towns to visit.

Being by the sea in Scotland brings such joy and the iconic coastline is full of unexpected wildlife. Also, the seaside towns keep the nation’s most ancient traditions alive. 

Scotland has over 11,000 miles of coastline, from dramatic cliffs to white sandy beaches.

Stretching your legs on a coastal path in the fresh air. Or, stopping for lunch at a seaside restaurant sounds amazing right?!

Crail 

Crail is an outstanding seaside town tucked away in the East Neuk of Fife. The buildings have been here since the 17th centuries.

The East Neuk of Fife is a complete hidden gem and feels a little bit out of the way for those who do not live in the area. Crail is a peaceful place for a relaxing break. 

You can go to the mini harbour by following the downwards cobbled steps. In the summer you can soak up some sun with an ice cream, and admire the resting fishing boats.

Also, like the other fishing towns in Fife, you can explore parts of the Fife Coastal Path while you are here.

Crail Accommodation: Harbour Lights

Anstruther 

Anstruther is another Fife coastal town which is not far from St Andrews. This village is the largest village along the East Neuk area and Fife coast.

From here, you can take a trip to the Isle of May during the months from May to September and look for puffins and seals. Also, you must try award-winning fish and chips from the Anstruther Fish Bar. 

Also, another hidden gem is Cellardyke which is just half a mile east of Anstruther.

The picturesque harbour town has been a Conservation Area since 1977. It is a beautifully preserved old fishing port lined with charming houses, unspoilt scenery and a great restaurant. 

Anstruther Accommodation: The Dreel Loft

Pittenweem 

Pittenweem is a charming fishing village in the East Neuk of Fife. In the morning the fishing boats return to the harbour.

Also, the houses have crow-step gables and red slate roofs. Pittenweem also hosts a thriving arts festival each August.

The East Neuk is particularly rich in castles and mansions. Balcaskie House and Kellie Castle are in the area. Another interesting building includes a late 16th-century townhouse called Kellie Lodge. 

Pittenweem Accommodation: The Merchants House

St Monans 

St Monans is a beautiful small fishing village located in the East Neuk of Fife. The village is located twelve miles south of St Andrews.

The two main industries here were fishing and salt production. St Monans Windmill is still standing to honour the salt pan industry. 

On the foreshore, there is a beautiful little church which was originally built in the 14th century. The church was built by Davis II in gratitude for having survived a shipwreck on the coast nearby.

A restoration was completed in the early 19th century and now serves as the local parish church.

Elie 

Elie is a picturesque seaside resort located in the East Neuk of Fife. The harbour was established in the 16th century.

Also, there is a stunning golden sand beach which is popular with windsurfers and bathers. 

Elie also has many interesting historic buildings, dating back to the 17th century. One of the buildings is The Lady’s Tower, a summer house built for Lady Janet Anstruther. 

Elie Accommodation: Stonesthrow Elie

Aberdour 

Aberdour is a small coastal village which is located in Fife on the banks of the River Forth. The picturesque town has two beautiful beaches, a harbour, a cafe, a golf course and much more.

Silver Sands Beach is one of the finest beaches in Scotland. The beach overlooks the Firth of Forth towards Edinburgh. 

Also, the 13th-century castle attracts thousands of visitors each year. In this historical castle, you can view the fine-painted ceiling and a peaceful walled garden. 

Aberdour Accommodation: Garden Cottage

Culross 

Now over to the west side of Fife. Culross is a historic picturesque town in the Kingdom of Fife which overlooks the Firth of Forth.

You will feel like you have been transformed back into the 16th century.

The whitewashed, red-tiled buildings are well preserved. Especially the Town House where witches were tried and held while awaiting execution.

The wealthy coal merchant George Bruce built Culross Palace in the late 16th century. 

Also, you can take a stroll up a cobbled alleyway known as Back Causeway. You may notice a separate raised central aisle. This was formerly used by noblemen to separate them from the ‘commoners’. 

Culross Accommodation: The Dundonald Guesthouse

Plockton 

Plockton is also known as the ‘Jewel of the Highlands’. The cute highland village has stunning views over Loch Carron Bay.

Also, the former 19th-century fishing village has little buildings dotted along the coastline.

Plockton is a place which is easy-going and slow-paced. The village is the perfect way to clear your head from all the stresses of daily life.

Also, you can relax at the hotel restaurants, and local cafes or grab a chippy. The harbour offers a peaceful place to sit and watch all the sailing boats. 

There is so much to do in this tiny village. You can enjoy boat trips, sailing, kayaking and beach days weather depending.

Also, for nature enthusiasts you can try road or mountain biking or walking. Interestingly, Hamish Macbeth was filmed in Plockton. 

Plockton Accommodation: The Haven guest House

Ullapool 

Ullapool is a stunning harbour located in the magnificent northern highlands of Scotland. It is a main ferry route for getting to the Outer Hebrides and other towns along the west coast of Scotland.

You can admire the boats in one of the least spoilt natural environments in the UK. 

Ullapool is a great place for outdoor adventures. From the wonderful wildlife in the Inverpolly National Nature Reserve to the Instagrammable peak of Stac Pollaidh. You will not be short on the list of things to see and do.

There is a great choice of varied walks in the area, this town makes a great base for exploring. Ullapool is a popular village along the North Coast 500.

Ullapool Accommodation: The Hide

Oban 

Oban is a fishing town along the west coast of Argyll which is nicknamed the ‘seafood capital’. Interestingly, Oban means ‘little bay’ in Scottish Gaelic.

The west coast town is surrounded by gorgeous shores and stunning countryside. 

Oban looks out to the wild and rugged Inner Hebrides islands and is sheltered by the Isle of Kerrera. Also, Oban is the main point for ferries departing for most of the Scottish western isles.

Previously, it was a busy harbour port. Providing a vital lifeline for the Scottish islands nearby.

Additionally, you can take amazing pictures of the ruins of Dunollie Castle. No wonder Queen Victoria declared Oban ‘one of the finest spots we have seen’ after visiting. 

Oban Accommodation: Bay View Apartment

Tobermory 

Tobermory is the capital town on the Isle of Mull and has one of the most beautiful ports in Scotland. The town has become iconic due to its colourful and characterful houses.

Most people will recognise it from the CBeebies show Balamory. The fishing port was built in 1788.

You can get stunning photos of the sailing boats in the harbour. Also, there is a rich history in this town. It is rumoured that a Spanish Armada ship sank in 1588 carrying gold bullion as it was fleeing the English fleet.

You can hop on a boat trip and spot sea eagles, dolphins, seals and whales. Book a tour of the town’s distillery or go to the Marine Centre to learn about the area’s marine heritage. 

Tobermory Accommodation: Kirk Cottage

Gairloch

Gairloch is a small seaside village on the west coast of Scotland. The village overlooks Loch Gairloch in the Wester Ross region. 

There are many beaches in this region including Big Sand and Red Point. These beaches offer lovely views of Raasay, Skye and the Western Isles.

If you are lucky you might get to see whales offshore. 

Gairloch Accommodation: Ben View

Millport 

Millport is the only town on the small island of Cumbrae. Cumbrae is located just off the west coast of the Ayrshire coast.

Also, Millport is home to Britain’s smallest cathedral, The Cathedral of the Isles. 

Visit the local museum to learn about the thrilling tales about 18th-century smugglers. Finally, you can visit the Crocodile Rock – a rock painted to look like a crocodile.

Millport Accommodation: The Birdbox

Portree 

Portree is a magical village which is located on the coastline of the Isle of Skye. The town is both picturesque and characterful with dramatic scenic surroundings.

The colourful fisherman cottages line the natural harbour. You will fall in love with the town’s old charm and calm, timeless atmosphere. Portree is a main attraction on the island itself, due to the setting and culture of the village. 

Also, Portree is a popular stop for those who are wanting to explore the Isle of Skye further. Other attractions on Skye include Fairy Glens, Cuillin Mountains and northerly Uig.

Portree Accommodation: Skye View Cottage

Gardenstown 

Gardenstown is one of the three beautiful villages that exist along the north-facing Aberdeenshire coast. Also, Gardenstown is the largest compared to its smaller neighbours, Crovie and Pennan. 

The village was founded by Alexander Garden in 1720 and was originally known as ‘Gamrie’. The village was created as a fishing village with a lovely big harbour.

Also, this village is perfect for history buffs or wildlife enthusiasts.

As the years have gone by, Gardenstown is becoming busy and more vibrant. The older cottages are built near the harbour and new homes have started to appear on the cliffside. 

Gardenstown Accommodation: Sunnyside House

Crovie 

Crovie is located next to Gardenstown in North Aberdeenshire. The village consists of only a single row of houses and is one of the finest villages in Aberdeenshire.

The village of Crovie is so small that cars have to be left on the perimeter. Most of the fishermen’s cottages have been converted into holiday homes. Crovie is one of the best-preserved fisherman village in Europe.

Also, Crovie has the narrowest space between shore and cliff. To the east lies an RSPB reserve where thousands of birds can be spotted. 

Crovie Accommodation: South Cross Slacks Farmhouse

Stonehaven 

Stonehaven is a small town located just south of Aberdeen. This harbour is perfect on a summer’s day.

The sheltered bay is always busy with boats and along the quayside. You can visit the Stonehaven Tolbooth Museum. 

Also, if the weather is nice you can head to the Heated Open Air Swimming Pool. Every Hogmanay Stonehaven hosts the Hogmanay Fireball Ceremony.

Also, two miles south of Stonehaven you will find one of Scotland’s most iconic ruins. Dunnottar Castle perched on the top of a craggy cliff edge.

Additionally, south of the castle, you can head to RSPB Fowlsheugh Reserve. Here, there are spectacular cliffs which are packed with 130,000 breeding seabirds in the spring and summer. 

Stonehaven Accommodation: Dunnottar Woods House

Pennan

Pennan is a tiny fishing hamlet on the north coast of Aberdeenshire. It features a single row of whitewashed stone cottages tucked between a cliff and the sea. 

The town has an attractive harbour which is also a great place to spot wildlife. Also, you can head down to the pebble beach where you might witness dolphins and seals lounging on the rocks. 

Pennan Accommodation: Mill of Nethermill Holidays

Dunbar 

Dunbar is a pleasant East Lothian seaside town located thirty miles east of Edinburgh. The town is well known for its incredible amount of sunshine each year.

Nearby, you can visit the John Muir Country Park which supports a wide range of habitats, birds and plants.

The park was named after John Muir who was born in Dunbar. John Muir was an explorer, naturalist and conservationist.

The ruined castle, which stands guard over the town’s twinned harbours. Once sheltered Mary Queen of Scots when she fled Edinburgh after the murder of Rizzio. 

Dunbar Accommodation: The Bridge House

St Abbs 

St Abbs is the most southerly small fisherman town on this list, it is located in the Scottish Borders.

The remote fishing village has a rugged coastline which is surrounded by jagged cliffs. Also, old fishermen’s cottages tumbling down to the surf-battered harbour. 

The village is named after a 7th-century Northumbrian princess who struggled ashore here after being shipwrecked.

Also, Marvel Avengers fans might recognise this destination as the ‘New Asgard’ in the popular film franchise. 

The nearby St Abb’s Head Nature Reserve is a great place to go walking. Photographers will love the cliffs and old fisherman’s cottages in St Abbs. St Abbs Head Nature Reserve is one of the finest nature reserves in the lowlands of Scotland.

Also, the nature reserve has 200 acres of wild and rugged coastline. There are sheer, seabird-nesting cliffs rising 300ft above the water. 

St Abbs Accommodation: The Cedar Tiny House

North Berwick 

North Berwick is an East Lothian town and is only a half-hour drive from Edinburgh. Also, North Berwick is the perfect escape for leaving the bustle of Scotland’s capital.

This town is full of character and the busy harbour is one of the main attractions. Here, you can relax in a fancy hotel spa or visit the long sandy beaches and trendy coffee shops. 

Also, the pretty town has amazing views across the sea to Bass Rock, a famous rock which is home to the largest gannet colony.

Finally, you can visit the 5 star Scottish Seabird Centre. At the centre you can learn about all the different seabird species in Bass Rock and surrounding areas. 

North Berwick Accommodation: Beach View

Final Note

I hope you have enjoyed reading about them and you can visit a couple on your next trip to Scotland.