Scrabster: Coast, Nature and History

Scrabster combines an important harbour with an impressive coastal landscape and historical discoveries. Scrabster Harbour lies at the western end of Thurso Bay, protected by grass-covered cliffs, and overlooks a dramatic coastal landscape with Dunnet Head. For your trip planning, this makes it a place where maritime impressions, nature observation and the history of northern Scotland can be combined.

Harbour and Ferry Connection across the Pentland Firth

NorthLink Ferries’ Pentland Firth ferry service operates between Stromness on Orkney and Scrabster in Caithness. Those wishing to combine Orkney and mainland Scotland in one trip can therefore plan Scrabster as their arrival or departure point. The ferry connection itself offers a special perspective: it is the only ferry connection that passes the Old Man of Hoy. This detail makes the crossing an independent part of planning the trip, rather than merely a change of transport.

The harbour’s history also goes back further. The natural harbour called Skarabolstadr, meaning “cliff settlement”, was favoured by Norse fishermen in the 19th century. The name and its recorded use give Scrabster a maritime history that extends beyond today’s ferry connection. Those travelling with their family can bring together different interests here: some can focus on the landscape and shipping, while others discover historical traces and place names.

Holborn Head: Coast, Birds and a Protected Fort

West of the lighthouse at Scrabster, the Holborn Head SSSI encompasses a 4.5 km-long coastline. The sea cliffs at Holborn Head are home to breeding colonies of fulmars, guillemots, kittiwakes and razorbills. This makes this stretch of coast a specific starting point for natural-history exploration and birdwatching. The species mentioned also make the location interesting for travellers who would like to discover the wildlife of the Scottish coast alongside seaside excursions.

Historical structures at Holborn Head also recall the former importance of the headland. The wall of the headland fort is in ruins and was built from local slate-like slabs. The fort is protected as Scheduled Monument 559. Combined with its coastal setting, this creates an excursion destination where the natural environment and historical remains directly become shared themes of trip planning, without requiring you to limit yourself to a purely museum-based visit.

The historical picture also includes Holborn Head Lighthouse near Scrabster. It was established in 1863 by engineers David and Thomas Stevenson. For visitors interested in lighthouses, coastal structures or the history of seafaring, the lighthouse adds another clearly identifiable structure to the landscape. When planning your trip, you should consider the information about the fort, the lighthouse establishment and the bird colonies as different focal points: they represent archaeology, maritime history and nature.

Scrabster as a Location for Your Accommodation

When looking for accommodation in Scrabster, it is worth deciding on your preferred travel focus first. The ferry connection is relevant if Orkney and Caithness are to be part of the same trip. Holborn Head appeals to travellers who would like to include coastal landscapes, bird colonies and historical structures in their days. Scrabster Castle, in turn, directs attention to the early history of northern Scotland.

Scrabster Castle is now visible as an earthwork and standing ruin. It was first mentioned under this name in 1328. Because of its potential for understanding domestic and defensive architecture as well as the economy of early medieval northern Scotland, it is of national importance. When choosing a holiday apartment for a trip with different age groups, this combination of harbour, coast and history can help determine the desired balance between active discoveries and cultural topics.

More Destinations for Planning Your Trip

For further comparison, you can also visit the following destinations: Aird Of Sleat, Scarfskerry, Isleornsay, Lybster, Rogart, Balintore, Duror and Struan.

To the higher-level travel overview: Highland.