List of ports and harbours in Scotland by region

Scotland's rugged coastline is home to a diverse range of ports and harbours, each with its own unique character and history.

From the bustling ports of the Clyde to the tranquil harbours of the Hebrides, Scotland's ports are an essential part of its economy and culture.

In the Highlands, the port of Ullapool is a popular destination for fishing and sailing vessels, while in the Lowlands, the port of Leith in Edinburgh is a major hub for cargo and passenger traffic.

Scotland's ports are also home to a rich maritime history, with many harbours dating back to the medieval period.

Aberdeen Harbour is the largest and busiest port in Scotland, handling over 9,200 vessel arrivals and four million tonnes of cargo in 2018. It's a key hub for international trade, with 37 shipping connections to countries across the globe.

Lerwick Harbour, located in the Shetland Islands, is a multifunctional port that serves various industries, including commercial, fishing, and cruise. It's a major contributor to the regional economy and offers services for cargo transportation, fishing operations, and cruise ship arrivals.

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Aberdeen Harbour has a rich history, having played a vital role in Scottish trade and commerce for around 900 years. It's constantly evolving to support new businesses and provides logistics services to its customers.

Some of the key harbours in Scotland include:

Hound Point is a crucial hub for the transportation and export of oil, located in Fife on the Firth of Forth.

It has the capacity to accommodate Panamax vessels, which is a significant advantage for the oil industry.

The terminal plays a vital role in supporting Scotland's energy sector, serving as a departure point for oil shipments to international destinations.

Dunoon is a charming fishing village on the Cowal Peninsula in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. It has a picturesque harbour that's a haven for sailors and fishermen.

The harbour is protected by the Cowal Peninsula, which creates a natural barrier against strong winds and rough seas. Dunoon is a great base for exploring the surrounding countryside and coastline.

The village has a rich history dating back to the 18th century, and its harbour was once an important hub for the local fishing industry.

Carradale is a picturesque fishing village on the Kintyre Peninsula in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. It's a popular destination for those seeking a tranquil retreat.

Carradale Bay is a tranquil haven with crystal-clear waters and stunning views of the surrounding hills. The bay is protected by a small island, making it a safe haven for boats.

The village has a few shops, cafes, and restaurants, but it's mostly a peaceful place to unwind. Visitors can enjoy the local seafood and explore the surrounding countryside.

Carradale has a long history of fishing and boat-building, with many local residents still involved in these industries today.

Worth a look: North Haven (harbour)

The west coast of Scotland is home to some of the country's busiest and most historic harbours. Greenock Port, located on the southern bank of the Clyde River, is a major container facility that handles around 100,000 TEUs annually.

Greenock has a long history of trading, dating back to the 17th century when it was a major fishing port. Today, it's a hub for container shipping and a popular cruise destination.

Additional reading: List of Busiest Container Ports

One of the key ports on the west coast is the Port of Inverness, which serves as a commercial harbour and ferry terminal. It's a vital link for the Highlands and a popular destination for cruise ships.

Here's a list of some of the key west coast harbours:

The Port of Cromarty Firth is particularly notable for its bulk cargo handling capabilities and its ability to accommodate ships weighing up to 50,000 DWT. It's an important economic driver for the region, generating around £275 million annually.

Greenock Port lies on the southern bank of Clyde River near the Firth of Clyde. It's one of the country's leading container facilities, efficiently handling around 100,000 TEUs annually.

Around 300,000 tonnes of cargo pass through Greenock every year. This bustling port also accommodates cruise ships and huge RORO vessels.

Greenock has a long history of trading, dating back to the 17th century when it became famous as a fishing port in the herring trade. The port's history is a testament to its strategic importance.

The port's Ocean Terminal spans 16 hectares and plays a significant role in the city of Glasgow's economy. It's a major hub for trade and commerce.

Tighnabruaich is a picturesque fishing village on the Kintyre Peninsula, Scotland, with a harbour that's a haven for sailors and fishermen alike. Its sheltered waters and sandy beach make it an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll.

The village has a rich history dating back to the 19th century, when it was an important centre for the fishing industry. Tighnabruaich's harbour was a key hub for the local fishing fleet, with many boats setting off from here to catch the day's catch.

Today, the harbour remains a bustling hub of activity, with fishermen unloading their daily catch and sailors refuelling for the next leg of their journey. The village's charming shops and cafes are also a major draw for visitors, who come to sample the local seafood and enjoy the stunning scenery.

Tighnabruaich's harbour is also home to a number of historic boats, including the famous "Puffin", a beautifully restored fishing vessel that's now a museum piece.

Helensburgh has a pier that's closed to marine traffic, which might be a bummer for sailors and fishermen alike.

The pier's principal function is fishing, which is great news for those who love to catch a fresh meal.

Bruichladdich is a notable harbour on the West Coast, home to a pier that plays a significant role in the local economy.

The Bruichladdich Pier is unmanned, which means it operates without human supervision, a characteristic that sets it apart from other harbours in the region.

This pier serves a dual purpose, facilitating both commercial activities such as fuel supply and fishing operations.

Oban North Pier is a manned facility, which means you'll often find staff on hand to help with your visit.

Located in a prime spot for leisure and recreation, Oban North Pier is a great place to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the sights and sounds of the harbour.

You can expect to find a variety of activities and amenities here, catering to both locals and tourists alike.

The pier is manned, which is a big plus if you're looking for assistance or have questions about the area.

Intriguing read: North Berwick Harbour

Aberdeen Harbour is the main port facility for northeastern Scotland and a prominent marine support centre of Europe, handling over 4 million tonnes of cargo in 2018.

The port has connections with nations on almost all continents, with major trade partners being Canada, Japan, and Australia. Key exports include granite, fertilisers, and chemicals, catering to the oil and gas industry.

The port has played a vital role in Scottish trade and commerce for around 900 years, with the new and expanded facility creating over 15,000 jobs and boosting the country's energy sector.

Aberdeen offers the largest berthage in the country, constantly evolving to support new businesses and providing logistics services to its customers.

Here are some of the key features of Aberdeen Harbour:

Leith is Scotland's biggest enclosed deepwater port, capable of handling ships weighing up to 50,000 DWT. It's situated just three miles from Edinburgh's city centre, on the southern bank of the Firth of Forth river.

This port is a vital hub for industries like food production, agriculture, and oil and gas, as it handles a variety of cargo, including grains, steel pipes, animal feed, and recycled items. It's also a major player in Scotland's maritime trade.

Leith has two dry docks, the largest dry dock facility on Scotland's eastern coast, and boasts 20 operational berths. It also offers expansive covered and open storage by the quayside.

The port accommodates a range of vessels, including general cargo ships, bulk carriers, container carriers, tankers, and RORO vessels, as well as cruise ships.

Suggestion: List of Busiest Ports by Cargo Tonnage

Inverness is a significant port on Scotland's east coast, situated about six nautical miles southwest of Chanonry Point in the Inverness Firth.

It's one of Scotland's most well-sheltered natural harbours, making it a vital economic hub for the Highlands.

The port has 650 m long quays and a 5-hectare storage area adjacent to them.

Inverness handles a diverse range of cargo, including packaged timber, fuel oils, rock salt, paper pulp, grains, granite, and roofing slates.

Around 400 ships and 1,000,000 tonnes of cargo are handled at the port annually.

The port is near the city centre and has witnessed growth and expansion, trading with the UK, Baltics, Scandinavia, and the European Union.

Inverness is a key gateway for shipping companies in the north, providing a vital link for exporting and importing goods.

The North East Coast of Scotland is home to some of the country's busiest and most important harbours. Aberdeen Harbour is a prime example, serving the northeast of Scotland and handling over 9,200 vessel arrivals in 2018.

Aberdeen Harbour is particularly significant for the oil and gas industry, supporting the servicing and decommissioning of oil and gas platforms in the North Sea. This contributes to the region's energy sector.

The harbour also plays a crucial role in the local economy, supporting around 12,000 jobs, with over 9,500 of these jobs located in Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire. It's no wonder that Aberdeen Harbour is considered the premier marine support center for offshore energy in Europe.

For your interest: Aberdeen Harbour

Peterhead port is another major hub on the North East Coast, located near the main oil and gas fields of the central and northern parts of the North Sea. It has over three kilometres of berthing area with depths of around 14 m.

Peterhead port handles a wide range of cargo, including grains, coal, fertilisers, oil, aggregates, salt, palletised cargo, frozen fish, seafood, and shellfish. It even has fish processing plants and cold storage facilities.

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