Sail Scotland

Worldwide, the numbers of marinas indicate the popularity of a locality among cruising folk, and as Scotland is increasingly well equipped with marinas there is no doubt that the cruising yachtsman, under power or sail, is visiting these superb waters in increasing numbers. Even the dyed-in-the-wool traditionalist occasionally needs a handy berth for fuel, water and provisioning, whilst the rest of us enjoy the convenience of a pontoon berth. Scotland's fine selection of ports of call cater for all tastes.

Argyll's west coast is one of the heartlands of Scottish cruising. Miles of coast, hundreds of islands, and complete solitude, are an antidote to the pressure of modern life, yet this paradise is underpinned by half a dozen modern marinas, and many other boating businesses offering moorings and other services.

On the Firth of Clyde, too, there are now some twelve locations offering pontoon berthing, whether in a major marina, or a traditional harbour. The smaller marinas, and boatyards with moorings, contribute to the network of facilities which make weekend or longer cruising trips such a pleasure, whilst the larger yacht harbours are a destination in their own right with a fine range of facilities a few steps away.

New developments on Scotland's north east coast, and in the Orkney and Shetland islands, have greatly improved the facilities available to visitors from across the North Sea, and many yachts from Holland, Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Norway are following their raiding and trading forebears on visits to our shores. Today, they are always welcome.

On the east coast, development proceeds apace as traditional harbours install leisure boating facilities in harbours vacated by the fishing industry. From John O'Groats to the border there are now many harbours with full scale marinas, and a host of others with mooring facilities for visitors.

Shetland now has many marinas, although some are only deep enough for local small craft. Those that are capable of berthing a cruising yacht are listed in Welcome Ashore. In Orkney, Kirkwall harbour has been redeveloped to include yacht berthing, and facilities are being planned for Stromness. In north west Scotland pontoon facilities at Stornoway and Loch Inver have been joined by yacht berths at Gairloch and Kyle of Lochalsh.

Finally, be sure to get a copy of Sail Scotland's booklet Welcome Ashore. It is not only an invaluable guide to harbour and shore facilities, but is literally what you can expect wherever you sail around our coast.

Enjoy your visit to Scottish waters!