sailscotland 2020

East Coast

 Forth Bridge 29ers - Firth of Forth © Andrew Robertson

FROM CHARMING FISHING VILLAGES TO DRAMATIC SEASCAPES, the east coast is becoming a must-sail destination. You won’t have these waters all to yourself, however, as the east coast is a wildlife haven, particularly the Moray Firth, home to a colony of bottlenose dolphins which will keep you company on your travels.

Historic harbours and sheltered bays along Scotland’s east coast are packed with character and are attracting increasing numbers of yachtsmen. Some of these places were among the busiest ports in Europe in the days of the herring drifters, and an almost tangible sense of local pride lingers on in the sea air. This coast has seen a growth of marina facilities over the past few years and

eastern Scotland is now as well served as any part of the country. This welcome trend has been seen all the way from the border at Berwick- upon-Tweed to Wick in the far north. Often these facilities are within former fishing harbours and, while some may be smaller than others, they all offer a warm welcome. Furthermore, many ‘unconverted’ fishing harbours are also

pleased to welcome visiting yachts, meaning the choice of destination is no longer automatic and a variety of passages may be planned. The popularity of Scotland as a cruising ground for continental boat owners, particularly those wishing to follow the path of Bjorn Larsson and sail The Celtic Ring, has meant that many visiting boats will now call in to some of the east

sail scotland 2020

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