Welcome Ashore
is not only the name of Sail Scotland's invaluable guide to harbour and shore facilities,
but literally what you can expect as you sail around our coast.
Scotland's coast is well equipped with marinas
to ensure the cruising yachtsman under power or sail has a good selection of ports of
call. Many older harbours are being refurbished and equipped with leisure facilities, all
of which offer good value for long or short stays.
The greatest concentration of facilities is on
the Forth, the Clyde and on the west coast between Ardnamurchan and Crinan. The larger
marinas in these areas provide everything that could be needed by either the cruising
yachtsman on the move, or the yacht owner seeking a permanent berth in interesting
surroundings.
Smaller marinas, and boatyards with moorings
play their part too. They are often the open sesame to the fascinating nooks and crannies
that make weekend cruising such a pleasure.
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,
where they are always welcome.
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. On Orkney, Kirkwall harbour is currently in the
process of redevelopment to include yacht berthing. In north west Scotland pontoon
facilities at Stornaway, Kinlochbervie and Loch Inver should soon be joined by yacht
berthing at Gairloch.
Perhaps the most exciting development in the
near future is the reopening (2001) of the Forth and Clyde Canal by British Waterways,
which will enable through passages by yacht to be made for the first time since the canal
was closed more than thirty years ago. Already, the basin at Bowling on the Clyde has been
transformed into a tidy yacht harbour.
In the meantime, both the Crinan and Caledonian
Canals provide yachts and other small craft with an essential route to avoid the longer
voyage via the Mull of Kintyre or the Pentland Firth.
Wherever you call in, you, the visitor, are an
important person. Every harbour, boatyard and marina will make you welcome and assist you
to enjoy your stay as much as you will enjoy your voyage in Scottish waters. |
