Kinlochbervie Harbour

Fishing, along with crofting, has long been a part of the traditional Kinlochbervie economy.  Initially fishing served the needs of the local population but became more important in the late 19th/early 20th centuries.  North Sea fish stocks had gone into decline and east coast fishermen moved west to our coast to fish the still bountiful waters of the Atlantic.

Today's Kinlochbervie Harbour was built in the 1970s as a replacement for the earlier commercial harbour at Loch Clash.  It is located in Loch Bervie (an offshoot of Loch Inchard).  By the mid 1980s, Kinlochbervie had become come one of the top three whitefish ports in Scotland.  The importance of this industry continues today with a fleet of beautifully kept fish lorries regularly delivering the catch throughout Britain and Europe. Kinlochbervie haddock is highly renowned and commands top prices! Although there are fewer boats now the current trawlers are larger and highly efficient. Likewise, the inshore shell-fishery continues to thrive.

The Kinlochbervie Harbour and the Kinlochbervie Fish Selling Company are important employers in the village and contribute greatly to the Highland economy.   The harbour facilities are owned and operated by Highland Council whilst the Kinlochbervie Fish Selling Company operates the auction market and provides a comprehensive service supplying the needs of the industry.

A marina for yachts was built in 2013 and is the most northerly marina on the west coast - last stop before the Cape Wrath (from the old Norse for 'turning point').  Services for visiting yachts include power and water as well as a washing machine/dryer and showers.

Visiting the Harbour 

Fish are auctioned at the market in the evenings as required.  Tourists are welcome to watch at a respectable distance.  Seals are frequent visitors and are easiest to see if the tide and fishing boats are both 'in'.

For shopping, the chandlers is a good port of call for fishing supplies, outdoor clothing and souvenirs.  Facilities in the harbour area include 24 hour public toilets as well as recycling facilities (skips for bottle and paper recycling plus a general waste skip on Wednesdays 10 am - 2 pm).

On the road to the harbour are two historically significant structures designed by Thomas Telford and built in 1829: the Kinlochbervie Parliamentary Church (still in use) and the ruins of the Former Parliamentary Parish Manse (no public access – dangerous).