Estuaries & tidal rivers
A few berths left
Dysart Harbour
Dysart, Fife · Firth of Forth
Prices not published
Walk-ashore berths in Scotland
Berths you step off onto a pontoon, quay or bank: no tender, no rowing out to a buoy. Easier for loading, for a dog, and for getting aboard after dark.
105 sites · 8 with space now · 4 with a waiting list · typical £2,070 a year for a 10m boat (£78–£7,450 across 71 published tariffs)
At a glance
- 105 sites: 27 on canals, 7 on the Broads, lakes and lochs, 12 on estuaries and tidal rivers and 59 on the open coast.
- 8 of the 105 told us in the last six weeks they have space: Dysart Harbour, Kilmelford Yacht Haven, Nairn Harbour, Port Bannatyne Marina, Sandhaven Harbour, Taymouth Marina and 2 more.
- Keeping a waiting list: Burghead Harbour, Stonehaven Harbour, Tayport Harbour and Tobermory Harbour.
- For a 10m boat, published prices run from £78 a year (Lerwick Port Authority) to £7,450 a year (Viewforth Quay); the middle of 71 is £2,070 a year.
- Longest boat taken: 100m (328ft) at James Watt Marina.
- Of the 105, 71 have electric hook-up, 17 a pump-out, 33 diesel, 15 a boat hoist and 32 visitor berths.
- 10 of the 105 allow liveaboards, outright or by arrangement.
- Groups running more than one: Aberdeenshire Council (4), Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (2), Creran Marine Ltd (2), Moray Council (6), Scottish Canals (28), Stornoway Port Authority (2), The Highland Council (3) and Yacht Havens (2).
Coast & harbours
Berths available
Kilmelford Yacht Haven
Kilmelford, Argyll and Bute · Loch Melfort
Prices not published
Coast & harbours
Berths available
Nairn Harbour
Nairn, Highland · Moray Firth
£1,545 a year for a 10m yacht
Coast & harbours
Berths available
Port Bannatyne Marina
Port Bannatyne, Argyll and Bute · Kyles of Bute
£3,997 a year for a 10m yacht
Coast & harbours
Berths available
Sandhaven Harbour
Sandhaven, Aberdeenshire · Moray Firth
Prices not published
Broads, lakes & lochs
Berths available
Taymouth Marina
Kenmore, Perth and Kinross · Loch Tay
Prices on request
Coast & harbours
Berths available
Whitehills Marina
Whitehills, Aberdeenshire · Moray Firth
£1,800 a year for a 10m yacht
Coast & harbours
Berths available
Wick Marina
Wick, Highland · North Sea
Prices not published
Coast & harbours
Waiting list
Burghead Harbour
Burghead, Moray · Moray Firth
£893 a year for a 10m yacht
Coast & harbours
Waiting list
Stonehaven Harbour
Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire · North Sea, Stonehaven Harbour
Prices not published
Estuaries & tidal rivers
Waiting list
Tayport Harbour
Tayport, Fife · River Tay estuary
Prices not published
Coast & harbours
Waiting list
Tobermory Harbour
Tobermory, Argyll and Bute · Tobermory Bay
Prices not published
Broads, lakes & lochs
Full
Portavadie Marina
Portavadie, Argyll and Bute · Loch Fyne
£2,772 a year for a 10m cruiser
Canals
Applecross Claypits
Glasgow, Glasgow City · Forth & Clyde Canal
£3,104 a year for a 57ft narrowboat
Coast & harbours
Arbroath Harbour
Arbroath, Angus · North Sea coast, Angus
£1,810 a year for a 10m yacht
Coast & harbours
Ardfern Yacht Centre
Ardfern, Argyll and Bute · Loch Craignish
£3,020 a year for a 10m yacht
Canals
Ardrishaig Basin
Ardrishaig, Argyll and Bute · Crinan Canal
£3,761 a year for a 57ft narrowboat
Canals
Ardrishaig Basin Dummy Lock
Ardrishaig, Argyll and Bute · Crinan Canal
£4,513 a year for a 57ft narrowboat
Canals
Auchinstarry Marina
Kilsyth, North Lanarkshire · Forth & Clyde Canal
£3,054 a year for a 57ft narrowboat
Canals
Banavie
Banavie, Highland · Caledonian Canal
£4,356 a year for a 57ft narrowboat
Coast & harbours
Berneray Harbour
Berneray, Na h-Eileanan Siar · Sound of Harris
£413 a year for a 10m yacht
Canals
Braehead, Linlithgow
Linlithgow, West Lothian · Union Canal
£3,352 a year for a 57ft narrowboat
Coast & harbours
Broad Haven (Dunbar Harbour)
Dunbar, East Lothian · North Sea, Dunbar Harbour
£580 a year for a 10m yacht
Coast & harbours
Buckie Harbour
Buckie, Moray · Moray Firth
£893 a year for a 10m yacht
Canals
Cairnbaan Lock 5
Cairnbaan, Argyll and Bute · Crinan Canal
£3,518 a year for a 57ft narrowboat
Canals
Caley Marina
Inverness, Highland · Caledonian Canal
£5,003 a year for a 57ft narrowboat
Coast & harbours
Campbeltown Marina
Campbeltown, Argyll and Bute · Campbeltown Loch
£5,520 a year for a 10m yacht
Canals
Causewayend
Broxburn, West Lothian · Union Canal
£3,352 a year for a 57ft narrowboat
Coast & harbours
Clyde Marina
Ardrossan, North Ayrshire · Firth of Clyde
£4,530 a year for a 10m yacht
Coast & harbours
Cockenzie Harbour
Cockenzie, East Lothian · Firth of Forth
£480 a year for a 10m yacht
Coast & harbours
Craobh Marina
Lochgilphead, Argyll and Bute · Craobh Haven
£4,440 a year for a 10m yacht
Canals
Dochgarroch East
Dochgarroch, Highland · Caledonian Canal
£4,181 a year for a 57ft narrowboat
Coast & harbours
Dubh Thòb Pontoons
Kirkibost, Great Bernera, Na h-Eileanan Siar · Loch Roag
£650 a year for a 10m yacht
Coast & harbours
Eyemouth Harbour
Eyemouth, Scottish Borders · Eyemouth Harbour
£103 a year for a 10m yacht
Estuaries & tidal rivers
Fisherrow Harbour
Musselburgh, East Lothian · Firth of Forth
£400 a year for a 10m yacht
Canals
Fort Augustus
Fort Augustus, Highland · Caledonian Canal
£4,704 a year for a 57ft narrowboat
Coast & harbours
Gairloch Harbour
Gairloch, Highland · Loch Gairloch
£403 a year for a 10m yacht
Broads, lakes & lochs
Gairlochy
Gairlochy, Highland · Caledonian Canal and Loch Lochy
£2,207 a year for a 10m cruiser
Coast & harbours
Girvan Harbour
Girvan, South Ayrshire · Firth of Clyde
£807 a year for a 10m yacht
Coast & harbours
Holy Loch Marina
Dunoon, Argyll and Bute · Firth of Clyde
£4,440 a year for a 10m yacht
Coast & harbours
Hopeman Harbour
Hopeman, Moray · Moray Firth
£717 a year for a 10m yacht
Estuaries & tidal rivers
Inverness Marina
Inverness, Highland · Caledonian Canal / Inverness Firth
£3,100 a year for a 10m yacht
Estuaries & tidal rivers
James Watt Marina
Greenock, Inverclyde · Firth of Clyde
£3,180 a year for a 10m yacht
Coast & harbours
Kallin Harbour
Grimsay, Isle of North Uist, Na h-Eileanan Siar · Kallin Harbour
£413 a year for a 10m yacht
Coast & harbours
Kerrera Marina
Oban, Argyll and Bute · Ardentrive Bay, Firth of Lorn
£3,740 a year for a 10m yacht
Coast & harbours
Kip Marina
Inverkip, Inverclyde · Firth of Clyde
£4,620 a year for a 10m yacht
Estuaries & tidal rivers
Kirkcudbright Marina
Kirkcudbright, Dumfries and Galloway · River Dee
£1,871 a year for a 10m yacht
Canals
Kirkintilloch Linear
Kirkintilloch, East Dunbartonshire · Forth & Clyde Canal
£3,042 a year for a 57ft narrowboat
Coast & harbours
Kirkwall Marina
Kirkwall, Orkney Islands · Kirkwall Harbour
£6,204 a year for a 10m yacht
Broads, lakes & lochs
Laggan Avenue
Laggan, Highland · Caledonian Canal
£1,705 a year for a 10m cruiser
Coast & harbours
Largs Yacht Haven
Largs, North Ayrshire · Firth of Clyde
£6,030 a year for a 10m yacht
Canals
Leamington Wharf East
Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh · Union Canal
£5,898 a year for a 57ft narrowboat
Coast & harbours
Lerwick Port Authority
Lerwick, Shetland Islands · Lerwick Harbour
£78 a year for a 10m yacht
Canals
Linlithgow East
Linlithgow, West Lothian · Union Canal
£3,725 a year for a 57ft narrowboat
Coast & harbours
Lochaline Harbour
Lochaline, Highland · Sound of Mull
£2,472 a year for a 10m yacht
Coast & harbours
Lochboisdale Harbour
Lochboisdale, Na h-Eileanan Siar · Lochboisdale
£2,103 a year for a 10m yacht
Coast & harbours
Lochmaddy Marina
Lochmaddy, Na h-Eileanan Siar · Lochmaddy
£750 a year for a 10m yacht
Canals
Lock 16 Moorings
Falkirk, Falkirk · Forth & Clyde Canal
£1,936 a year for a 57ft narrowboat
Coast & harbours
Mallaig Yachting Marina
Mallaig, Highland · Mallaig Harbour
£1,285 a year for a 10m yacht
Coast & harbours
Newton Marina
Stornoway, Na h-Eileanan Siar · Stornoway Harbour
£1,918 a year for a 10m yacht
Canals
Oakfield Bridge
Ardrishaig, Argyll and Bute · Crinan Canal
£3,185 a year for a 57ft narrowboat
Coast & harbours
Peterhead Bay Marina
Peterhead, Aberdeenshire · Peterhead Bay, North Sea
£1,500 a year for a 10m yacht
Estuaries & tidal rivers
Port Edgar Marina
South Queensferry, City of Edinburgh · Firth of Forth
£3,156 a year for a 10m yacht
Coast & harbours
Portknockie Harbour
Portknockie, Moray · Moray Firth
£717 a year for a 10m yacht
Coast & harbours
Portpatrick Harbour
Portpatrick, Dumfries and Galloway · Irish Sea, Portpatrick
£880 a year for a 10m yacht
Canals
Ratho Marina
Ratho, City of Edinburgh · Union Canal
£4,905 a year for a 57ft narrowboat
Canals
Reddingmuirhead
Reddingmuirhead, Falkirk · Union Canal
£1,565 a year for a 57ft narrowboat
Estuaries & tidal rivers
Rhu Marina
Rhu, Argyll and Bute · Firth of Clyde
£5,110 a year for a 10m yacht
Coast & harbours
Rothesay Marina
Rothesay, Argyll and Bute · Rothesay Harbour
£3,420 a year for a 10m yacht
Canals
Southbank Marina
Kirkintilloch, East Dunbartonshire · Forth & Clyde Canal
£3,595 a year for a 57ft narrowboat
Coast & harbours
Stornoway Marina
Stornoway, Na h-Eileanan Siar · Stornoway Harbour
£1,598 a year for a 10m yacht
Coast & harbours
Tarbert Harbour
Tarbert, Argyll and Bute · Loch Fyne
£1,680 a year for a 10m yacht
Canals
The Falkirk Wheel Basin
Falkirk, Falkirk · Forth & Clyde Canal
£3,054 a year for a 57ft narrowboat
Canals
The Falkirk Wheel Linear
Falkirk, Falkirk · Forth & Clyde Canal
£1,798 a year for a 57ft narrowboat
Coast & harbours
Thomas Telford Corpach Marina
Fort William, Highland · Loch Linnhe
£4,050 a year for a 10m yacht
Coast & harbours
Troon Yacht Haven
Troon, South Ayrshire · Firth of Clyde
£4,730 a year for a 10m yacht
Coast & harbours
Ulva Ferry Pontoon
Ulva Ferry, Argyll and Bute · Sound of Ulva
£352 a year for a 10m yacht
Canals
Viewforth Quay
Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh · Union Canal
£7,450 a year for a 57ft narrowboat
Canals
Winchburgh Marina
Winchburgh, West Lothian · Union Canal
£4,895 a year for a 57ft narrowboat
Estuaries & tidal rivers
Aith Marina
Aith, Shetland Islands · Aith Voe
Prices not published
Canals
Bellanoch Marina
Bellanoch, Argyll and Bute · Crinan Canal
Prices not published
Canals
Bowling Lower Basin
Bowling, West Dunbartonshire · Forth & Clyde Canal
Prices not published
Estuaries & tidal rivers
Brae Marina
Brae, Shetland Islands · Busta Voe
Prices not published
Coast & harbours
Castlebay Marina
Castlebay, Na h-Eileanan Siar · Castlebay Harbour
Prices not published
Broads, lakes & lochs
Creran Marine
Benderloch, Argyll and Bute · Loch Creran
Prices not published
Broads, lakes & lochs
Creran Moorings
Benderloch, Argyll and Bute · Loch Creran
Prices not published
Coast & harbours
Crinan Boatyard
Crinan, Argyll and Bute · Loch Crinan
Prices not published
Coast & harbours
Cullen Harbour
Cullen, Moray · Cullen Harbour
Prices not published
Coast & harbours
Dunstaffnage Marina
Oban, Argyll and Bute · Dunstaffnage Bay, Firth of Lorn
Prices on request
Coast & harbours
Edinburgh Marina
Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh · Granton Harbour
Prices not published
Coast & harbours
Fairlie Quay Marina
Fairlie, North Ayrshire · Firth of Clyde
Prices not published
Coast & harbours
Findhorn Marina
Findhorn, Moray · Findhorn Bay
Prices not published
Coast & harbours
Findochty Harbour
Findochty, Moray · Moray Firth
Prices not published
Coast & harbours
Gourdon Harbour
Gourdon, Aberdeenshire · North Sea, Gourdon Harbour
Prices not published
Coast & harbours
Helmsdale Harbour
Helmsdale, Highland · Moray Firth
Prices on request
Coast & harbours
Johnshaven Harbour
Johnshaven, Aberdeenshire · North Sea, Johnshaven
Prices not published
Canals
Kytra
Fort Augustus, Highland · Caledonian Canal
Prices on request
Broads, lakes & lochs
Linnhe Marina
Appin, Argyll and Bute · Loch Linnhe
Prices not published
Coast & harbours
Ness Boating Club Marina
Virkie, Shetland Islands · Pool of Virkie
Prices not published
Coast & harbours
Port Ellen Marina
Port Ellen, Argyll and Bute · Port Ellen Harbour
Prices not published
Coast & harbours
Rosehearty Harbour
Rosehearty, Aberdeenshire · North Sea
Prices not published
Estuaries & tidal rivers
Sandpoint Marina
Dumbarton, West Dunbartonshire · River Leven
Prices not published
Canals
Seaport Marina
Inverness, Highland · Caledonian Canal
Prices not published
Coast & harbours
Skeld Marina
Skeld, Shetland Islands · Skeld Voe
Prices not published
Estuaries & tidal rivers
Solway Yacht Club
Kippford, Dumfries and Galloway · Urr Water
Prices not published
Compared: prices for a 10m boat
| Site | Where | A year, 10m boat | Berths | Space |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dysart Harbour | Dysart, Firth of Forth | – | swinging moorings, quay and harbour wall berths | A few berths left |
| Kilmelford Yacht Haven | Kilmelford, Loch Melfort | – | pontoon berths, swinging moorings | Berths available |
| Nairn Harbour | Nairn, Moray Firth | £1,545 | pontoon berths | Berths available |
| Port Bannatyne Marina | Port Bannatyne, Kyles of Bute | £3,997 | pontoon berths | Berths available |
| Sandhaven Harbour | Sandhaven, Moray Firth | – | quay and harbour wall berths | Berths available |
| Taymouth Marina | Kenmore, Loch Tay | On request | pontoon berths, swinging moorings | Berths available |
| Whitehills Marina | Whitehills, Moray Firth | £1,800 | pontoon berths | Berths available |
| Wick Marina | Wick, North Sea | – | pontoon berths | Berths available |
| Burghead Harbour | Burghead, Moray Firth | £893 | quay and harbour wall berths | Waiting list |
| Stonehaven Harbour | Stonehaven, North Sea, Stonehaven Harbour | – | swinging moorings, quay and harbour wall berths | Waiting list |
| Tayport Harbour | Tayport, River Tay estuary | – | pontoon berths, quay and harbour wall berths | Waiting list |
| Tobermory Harbour | Tobermory, Tobermory Bay | – | pontoon berths, swinging moorings | Waiting list |
| Portavadie Marina | Portavadie, Loch Fyne | £2,772 | pontoon berths | Full |
| Applecross Claypits | Glasgow, Forth & Clyde Canal | £3,104 | pontoon berths | Not reported |
| Arbroath Harbour | Arbroath, North Sea coast, Angus | £1,810 | pontoon berths | Not reported |
| Ardfern Yacht Centre | Ardfern, Loch Craignish | £3,020 | pontoon berths, swinging moorings | Not reported |
| Ardrishaig Basin | Ardrishaig, Crinan Canal | £2,165 | pontoon berths | Not reported |
| Ardrishaig Basin Dummy Lock | Ardrishaig, Crinan Canal | £2,598 | quay and harbour wall berths | Not reported |
| Auchinstarry Marina | Kilsyth, Forth & Clyde Canal | £1,758 | pontoon berths, linear moorings | Not reported |
| Banavie | Banavie, Caledonian Canal | £2,508 | linear moorings | Not reported |
| Berneray Harbour | Berneray, Sound of Harris | £413 | quay and harbour wall berths | Not reported |
| Braehead, Linlithgow | Linlithgow, Union Canal | – | linear moorings | Not reported |
| Broad Haven (Dunbar Harbour) | Dunbar, North Sea, Dunbar Harbour | £580 | quay and harbour wall berths | Not reported |
| Buckie Harbour | Buckie, Moray Firth | £893 | pontoon berths, quay and harbour wall berths | Not reported |
| Cairnbaan Lock 5 | Cairnbaan, Crinan Canal | £2,025 | pontoon berths | Not reported |
| Caley Marina | Inverness, Caledonian Canal | £2,880 | pontoon berths | Not reported |
| Campbeltown Marina | Campbeltown, Campbeltown Loch | £5,520 | pontoon berths, linear moorings | Not reported |
| Causewayend | Broxburn, Union Canal | £3,352 | linear moorings | Not reported |
| Clyde Marina | Ardrossan, Firth of Clyde | £4,530 | pontoon berths | Not reported |
| Cockenzie Harbour | Cockenzie, Firth of Forth | £480 | pontoon berths, hard standing | Not reported |
| Craobh Marina | Lochgilphead, Craobh Haven | £4,440 | pontoon berths | Not reported |
| Dochgarroch East | Dochgarroch, Caledonian Canal | £2,407 | linear moorings | Not reported |
| Dubh Thòb Pontoons | Kirkibost, Great Bernera, Loch Roag | £650 | pontoon berths | Not reported |
| Eyemouth Harbour | Eyemouth, Eyemouth Harbour | £103 | pontoon berths, quay and harbour wall berths | Not reported |
| Fisherrow Harbour | Musselburgh, Firth of Forth | £400 | drying berths, quay and harbour wall berths | Not reported |
| Fort Augustus | Fort Augustus, Caledonian Canal | £2,708 | pontoon berths | Not reported |
| Gairloch Harbour | Gairloch, Loch Gairloch | £403 | pontoon berths, quay and harbour wall berths | Not reported |
| Gairlochy | Gairlochy, Caledonian Canal and Loch Lochy | £2,207 | pontoon berths, linear moorings | Not reported |
| Girvan Harbour | Girvan, Firth of Clyde | £807 | pontoon berths, quay and harbour wall berths | Not reported |
| Holy Loch Marina | Dunoon, Firth of Clyde | £4,440 | pontoon berths | Not reported |
From each site's published tariff. "–" means the site doesn't say. Prices change; confirm with the site.
Questions
How much does a mooring for a 10m boat cost in Scotland?
Across the 71 walk-ashore berths here that publish a price, a 10m boat costs from £78 a year at Lerwick Port Authority to £7,450 a year at Viewforth Quay. The middle figure is £2,070 a year. Check what each includes: electricity, water and VAT vary.
What are the cheapest walk-ashore berths in Scotland?
For a 10m boat, Lerwick Port Authority is cheapest at £78 a year.
Which walk-ashore berths in Scotland have space now?
8 of the 105 told us in the last six weeks they have space: Dysart Harbour, Kilmelford Yacht Haven, Nairn Harbour, Port Bannatyne Marina, Sandhaven Harbour, Taymouth Marina, Whitehills Marina and Wick Marina. Each page shows the date they told us and what they have.
Can you live aboard at walk-ashore berths in Scotland?
10 of the 105 say you can: Applecross Claypits (residential moorings with planning consent), Auchinstarry Marina (residential moorings with planning consent), Braehead, Linlithgow (liveaboards allowed), Causewayend (liveaboards allowed), Girvan Harbour (liveaboard by arrangement), Leamington Wharf East (liveaboards allowed), Linlithgow East (residential moorings with planning consent), Southbank Marina (residential moorings with planning consent) and 2 more. Living aboard can need planning consent and council tax; ask each site about its terms.
Do I need a licence as well as a mooring?
On top of the mooring fee: of these, 30 need a Scottish Canals licence, 2 need lake registration where the lake authority requires it and 12 need the navigation's own licence. Coastal marinas usually need none.
Broader
Walk-ashore berths in Scotland, by county
Walk-ashore berths in other areas
- England 764
- Northern Ireland 33
- Wales 35
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