Scrabster Harbour

Scrabster Harbour

ID: QZP40_CARD_0115 DESCRIPTION: This postcard shows Scrabster Harbour, near Thurso. Holburn Head Lighthouse built in 1862, can be seen in the distance. The harbour has long been a haven to seafarers in the Northern lands, and quickly became known as the gateway to Orkney, Shetland and Scandinavia. The present harbour was built around 1841 and by 1856, a ferry ran from Scrabster to Stromness. An important part of the economy of the north, the harbour was once the hub of the herring fishing fleet, before steam took over from sail. Today, due to its advantageous location, Scrabster is the fastest growing fishing port in the United Kingdom. Its geographical position also assures its involvement with the development of North Sea oil. Recent developments have seen the construction of a new pier and a deep water basin PLACENAME: Scrabster DISTRICT: Caithness - Western OLD COUNTY/PARISH: CAITHNESS: Thurso PERIOD: 1950s SOURCE: Highland Libraries COLLECTION: Highland Libraries' Postcard Collection Asset ID: 32005 KEYWORDS: