Coast & harbours
Lerwick Port Authority
Lerwick, Shetland Islands · Lerwick Harbour
£78 a year for a 10m yacht
Cheapest walk-ashore berths in Scotland
Every site here with a published price, cheapest first, worked out for the same boat so the figures compare. Berths you step off onto a pontoon, quay or bank: no tender, no rowing out to a buoy. Easier for loading, for a dog, and for getting aboard after dark.
71 sites · 3 with space now · 1 with a waiting list · typical £2,070 a year for a 10m boat (£78–£7,450 across 71 published tariffs)
At a glance
- 71 sites: 23 on canals, 3 on the Broads, lakes and lochs, 6 on estuaries and tidal rivers and 39 on the open coast.
- 3 of the 71 told us in the last six weeks they have space: Nairn Harbour, Whitehills Marina and Port Bannatyne Marina.
- Keeping a waiting list: Burghead Harbour.
- For a 10m boat, published prices run from £78 a year (Lerwick Port Authority) to £7,450 a year (Viewforth Quay); the middle of 71 is £2,070 a year.
- Longest boat taken: 100m (328ft) at James Watt Marina.
- Of the 71, 49 have electric hook-up, 15 a pump-out, 24 diesel, 10 a boat hoist and 21 visitor berths.
- 8 of the 71 allow liveaboards, outright or by arrangement.
- Groups running more than one: Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (2), Moray Council (4), Scottish Canals (24), Stornoway Port Authority (2), The Highland Council (2) and Yacht Havens (2).
Coast & harbours
Eyemouth Harbour
Eyemouth, Scottish Borders · Eyemouth Harbour
£103 a year for a 10m yacht
Coast & harbours
Ulva Ferry Pontoon
Ulva Ferry, Argyll and Bute · Sound of Ulva
£352 a year for a 10m yacht
Estuaries & tidal rivers
Fisherrow Harbour
Musselburgh, East Lothian · Firth of Forth
£400 a year for a 10m yacht
Coast & harbours
Gairloch Harbour
Gairloch, Highland · Loch Gairloch
£403 a year for a 10m yacht
Coast & harbours
Berneray Harbour
Berneray, Na h-Eileanan Siar · Sound of Harris
£413 a year for a 10m yacht
Coast & harbours
Kallin Harbour
Grimsay, Isle of North Uist, Na h-Eileanan Siar · Kallin Harbour
£413 a year for a 10m yacht
Coast & harbours
Cockenzie Harbour
Cockenzie, East Lothian · Firth of Forth
£480 a year for a 10m yacht
Coast & harbours
Broad Haven (Dunbar Harbour)
Dunbar, East Lothian · North Sea, Dunbar Harbour
£580 a year for a 10m yacht
Coast & harbours
Dubh Thòb Pontoons
Kirkibost, Great Bernera, Na h-Eileanan Siar · Loch Roag
£650 a year for a 10m yacht
Coast & harbours
Hopeman Harbour
Hopeman, Moray · Moray Firth
£717 a year for a 10m yacht
Coast & harbours
Portknockie Harbour
Portknockie, Moray · Moray Firth
£717 a year for a 10m yacht
Coast & harbours
Lochmaddy Marina
Lochmaddy, Na h-Eileanan Siar · Lochmaddy
£750 a year for a 10m yacht
Coast & harbours
Girvan Harbour
Girvan, South Ayrshire · Firth of Clyde
£807 a year for a 10m yacht
Coast & harbours
Portpatrick Harbour
Portpatrick, Dumfries and Galloway · Irish Sea, Portpatrick
£880 a year for a 10m yacht
Coast & harbours
Buckie Harbour
Buckie, Moray · Moray Firth
£893 a year for a 10m yacht
Coast & harbours
Waiting list
Burghead Harbour
Burghead, Moray · Moray Firth
£893 a year for a 10m yacht
Canals
Reddingmuirhead
Reddingmuirhead, Falkirk · Union Canal
£1,565 a year for a 57ft narrowboat
Canals
The Falkirk Wheel Linear
Falkirk, Falkirk · Forth & Clyde Canal
£1,798 a year for a 57ft narrowboat
Canals
Lock 16 Moorings
Falkirk, Falkirk · Forth & Clyde Canal
£1,936 a year for a 57ft narrowboat
Coast & harbours
Mallaig Yachting Marina
Mallaig, Highland · Mallaig Harbour
£1,285 a year for a 10m yacht
Coast & harbours
Peterhead Bay Marina
Peterhead, Aberdeenshire · Peterhead Bay, North Sea
£1,500 a year for a 10m yacht
Coast & harbours
Berths available
Nairn Harbour
Nairn, Highland · Moray Firth
£1,545 a year for a 10m yacht
Coast & harbours
Stornoway Marina
Stornoway, Na h-Eileanan Siar · Stornoway Harbour
£1,598 a year for a 10m yacht
Coast & harbours
Tarbert Harbour
Tarbert, Argyll and Bute · Loch Fyne
£1,680 a year for a 10m yacht
Broads, lakes & lochs
Laggan Avenue
Laggan, Highland · Caledonian Canal
£1,705 a year for a 10m cruiser
Canals
Kirkintilloch Linear
Kirkintilloch, East Dunbartonshire · Forth & Clyde Canal
£3,042 a year for a 57ft narrowboat
Canals
Auchinstarry Marina
Kilsyth, North Lanarkshire · Forth & Clyde Canal
£3,054 a year for a 57ft narrowboat
Canals
The Falkirk Wheel Basin
Falkirk, Falkirk · Forth & Clyde Canal
£3,054 a year for a 57ft narrowboat
Coast & harbours
Berths available
Whitehills Marina
Whitehills, Aberdeenshire · Moray Firth
£1,800 a year for a 10m yacht
Coast & harbours
Arbroath Harbour
Arbroath, Angus · North Sea coast, Angus
£1,810 a year for a 10m yacht
Canals
Oakfield Bridge
Ardrishaig, Argyll and Bute · Crinan Canal
£3,185 a year for a 57ft narrowboat
Estuaries & tidal rivers
Kirkcudbright Marina
Kirkcudbright, Dumfries and Galloway · River Dee
£1,871 a year for a 10m yacht
Coast & harbours
Newton Marina
Stornoway, Na h-Eileanan Siar · Stornoway Harbour
£1,918 a year for a 10m yacht
Canals
Cairnbaan Lock 5
Cairnbaan, Argyll and Bute · Crinan Canal
£3,518 a year for a 57ft narrowboat
Canals
Southbank Marina
Kirkintilloch, East Dunbartonshire · Forth & Clyde Canal
£3,595 a year for a 57ft narrowboat
Coast & harbours
Lochboisdale Harbour
Lochboisdale, Na h-Eileanan Siar · Lochboisdale
£2,103 a year for a 10m yacht
Canals
Ardrishaig Basin
Ardrishaig, Argyll and Bute · Crinan Canal
£3,761 a year for a 57ft narrowboat
Canals
Bellanoch Marina
Bellanoch, Argyll and Bute · Crinan Canal
Prices not published
Broads, lakes & lochs
Gairlochy
Gairlochy, Highland · Caledonian Canal and Loch Lochy
£2,207 a year for a 10m cruiser
Canals
Dochgarroch East
Dochgarroch, Highland · Caledonian Canal
£4,181 a year for a 57ft narrowboat
Coast & harbours
Lochaline Harbour
Lochaline, Highland · Sound of Mull
£2,472 a year for a 10m yacht
Canals
Banavie
Banavie, Highland · Caledonian Canal
£4,356 a year for a 57ft narrowboat
Canals
Ardrishaig Basin Dummy Lock
Ardrishaig, Argyll and Bute · Crinan Canal
£4,513 a year for a 57ft narrowboat
Canals
Ratho Marina
Ratho, City of Edinburgh · Union Canal
£4,905 a year for a 57ft narrowboat
Canals
Seaport Marina
Inverness, Highland · Caledonian Canal
Prices not published
Canals
Fort Augustus
Fort Augustus, Highland · Caledonian Canal
£4,704 a year for a 57ft narrowboat
Broads, lakes & lochs
Full
Portavadie Marina
Portavadie, Argyll and Bute · Loch Fyne
£2,772 a year for a 10m cruiser
Canals
Caley Marina
Inverness, Highland · Caledonian Canal
£5,003 a year for a 57ft narrowboat
Coast & harbours
Ardfern Yacht Centre
Ardfern, Argyll and Bute · Loch Craignish
£3,020 a year for a 10m yacht
Estuaries & tidal rivers
Inverness Marina
Inverness, Highland · Caledonian Canal / Inverness Firth
£3,100 a year for a 10m yacht
Canals
Applecross Claypits
Glasgow, Glasgow City · Forth & Clyde Canal
£3,104 a year for a 57ft narrowboat
Canals
Bowling Lower Basin
Bowling, West Dunbartonshire · Forth & Clyde Canal
Prices not published
Estuaries & tidal rivers
Port Edgar Marina
South Queensferry, City of Edinburgh · Firth of Forth
£3,156 a year for a 10m yacht
Estuaries & tidal rivers
James Watt Marina
Greenock, Inverclyde · Firth of Clyde
£3,180 a year for a 10m yacht
Canals
Causewayend
Broxburn, West Lothian · Union Canal
£3,352 a year for a 57ft narrowboat
Coast & harbours
Rothesay Marina
Rothesay, Argyll and Bute · Rothesay Harbour
£3,420 a year for a 10m yacht
Coast & harbours
Kerrera Marina
Oban, Argyll and Bute · Ardentrive Bay, Firth of Lorn
£3,740 a year for a 10m yacht
Coast & harbours
Berths available
Port Bannatyne Marina
Port Bannatyne, Argyll and Bute · Kyles of Bute
£3,997 a year for a 10m yacht
Coast & harbours
Thomas Telford Corpach Marina
Fort William, Highland · Loch Linnhe
£4,050 a year for a 10m yacht
Coast & harbours
Craobh Marina
Lochgilphead, Argyll and Bute · Craobh Haven
£4,440 a year for a 10m yacht
Coast & harbours
Holy Loch Marina
Dunoon, Argyll and Bute · Firth of Clyde
£4,440 a year for a 10m yacht
Coast & harbours
Clyde Marina
Ardrossan, North Ayrshire · Firth of Clyde
£4,530 a year for a 10m yacht
Coast & harbours
Kip Marina
Inverkip, Inverclyde · Firth of Clyde
£4,620 a year for a 10m yacht
Coast & harbours
Troon Yacht Haven
Troon, South Ayrshire · Firth of Clyde
£4,730 a year for a 10m yacht
Estuaries & tidal rivers
Rhu Marina
Rhu, Argyll and Bute · Firth of Clyde
£5,110 a year for a 10m yacht
Coast & harbours
Campbeltown Marina
Campbeltown, Argyll and Bute · Campbeltown Loch
£5,520 a year for a 10m yacht
Canals
Leamington Wharf East
Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh · Union Canal
£5,898 a year for a 57ft narrowboat
Coast & harbours
Largs Yacht Haven
Largs, North Ayrshire · Firth of Clyde
£6,030 a year for a 10m yacht
Coast & harbours
Kirkwall Marina
Kirkwall, Orkney Islands · Kirkwall Harbour
£6,204 a year for a 10m yacht
Canals
Viewforth Quay
Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh · Union Canal
£7,450 a year for a 57ft narrowboat
Compared: prices for a 10m boat
| Site | Where | A year, 10m boat | Per metre a year | Berths | Space |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lerwick Port Authority | Lerwick, Lerwick Harbour | £78 | £7.77 | pontoon berths, quay and harbour wall berths | Not reported |
| Eyemouth Harbour | Eyemouth, Eyemouth Harbour | £103 | £10.32 | pontoon berths, quay and harbour wall berths | Not reported |
| Ulva Ferry Pontoon | Ulva Ferry, Sound of Ulva | £352 | £35.20 | pontoon berths | Not reported |
| Fisherrow Harbour | Musselburgh, Firth of Forth | £400 | £40 | drying berths, quay and harbour wall berths | Not reported |
| Gairloch Harbour | Gairloch, Loch Gairloch | £403 | £40.30 | pontoon berths, quay and harbour wall berths | Not reported |
| Berneray Harbour | Berneray, Sound of Harris | £413 | £41.30 | quay and harbour wall berths | Not reported |
| Kallin Harbour | Grimsay, Isle of North Uist, Kallin Harbour | £413 | £41.30 | quay and harbour wall berths | Not reported |
| Cockenzie Harbour | Cockenzie, Firth of Forth | £480 | £48 | pontoon berths, hard standing | Not reported |
| Broad Haven (Dunbar Harbour) | Dunbar, North Sea, Dunbar Harbour | £580 | £58 | quay and harbour wall berths | Not reported |
| Dubh Thòb Pontoons | Kirkibost, Great Bernera, Loch Roag | £650 | £65 | pontoon berths | Not reported |
| Hopeman Harbour | Hopeman, Moray Firth | £717 | £71.66 | pontoon berths, quay and harbour wall berths, hard standing | Not reported |
| Portknockie Harbour | Portknockie, Moray Firth | £717 | £71.66 | pontoon berths, quay and harbour wall berths, hard standing | Not reported |
| Lochmaddy Marina | Lochmaddy, Lochmaddy | £750 | £75 | pontoon berths | Not reported |
| Girvan Harbour | Girvan, Firth of Clyde | £807 | £80.65 | pontoon berths, quay and harbour wall berths | Not reported |
| Portpatrick Harbour | Portpatrick, Irish Sea, Portpatrick | £880 | £88 | swinging moorings, quay and harbour wall berths | Not reported |
| Buckie Harbour | Buckie, Moray Firth | £893 | £89.30 | pontoon berths, quay and harbour wall berths | Not reported |
| Burghead Harbour | Burghead, Moray Firth | £893 | £89.30 | quay and harbour wall berths | Waiting list |
| Reddingmuirhead | Reddingmuirhead, Union Canal | £901 | £90.12 | linear moorings | Not reported |
| The Falkirk Wheel Linear | Falkirk, Forth & Clyde Canal | £1,035 | £103.49 | linear moorings | Not reported |
| Lock 16 Moorings | Falkirk, Forth & Clyde Canal | £1,115 | £111.45 | pontoon berths | Not reported |
| Mallaig Yachting Marina | Mallaig, Mallaig Harbour | £1,285 | £128.50 | pontoon berths, swinging moorings | Not reported |
| Peterhead Bay Marina | Peterhead, Peterhead Bay, North Sea | £1,500 | £150 | pontoon berths | Not reported |
| Nairn Harbour | Nairn, Moray Firth | £1,545 | £154.50 | pontoon berths | Berths available |
| Stornoway Marina | Stornoway, Stornoway Harbour | £1,598 | £159.84 | pontoon berths | Not reported |
| Tarbert Harbour | Tarbert, Loch Fyne | £1,680 | £168 | pontoon berths, swinging moorings | Not reported |
| Laggan Avenue | Laggan, Caledonian Canal | £1,705 | £170.52 | linear moorings | Not reported |
| Kirkintilloch Linear | Kirkintilloch, Forth & Clyde Canal | £1,751 | £175.14 | linear moorings | Not reported |
| Auchinstarry Marina | Kilsyth, Forth & Clyde Canal | £1,758 | £175.80 | pontoon berths, linear moorings | Not reported |
| The Falkirk Wheel Basin | Falkirk, Forth & Clyde Canal | £1,758 | £175.80 | pontoon berths | Not reported |
| Whitehills Marina | Whitehills, Moray Firth | £1,800 | £180 | pontoon berths | Berths available |
| Arbroath Harbour | Arbroath, North Sea coast, Angus | £1,810 | £181 | pontoon berths | Not reported |
| Oakfield Bridge | Ardrishaig, Crinan Canal | £1,834 | £183.36 | pontoon berths, quay and harbour wall berths | Not reported |
| Kirkcudbright Marina | Kirkcudbright, River Dee | £1,871 | £187.05 | pontoon berths | Not reported |
| Newton Marina | Stornoway, Stornoway Harbour | £1,918 | £191.81 | pontoon berths | Not reported |
| Cairnbaan Lock 5 | Cairnbaan, Crinan Canal | £2,025 | £202.51 | pontoon berths | Not reported |
| Southbank Marina | Kirkintilloch, Forth & Clyde Canal | £2,070 | £206.97 | pontoon berths | Not reported |
| Lochboisdale Harbour | Lochboisdale, Lochboisdale | £2,103 | £210.27 | pontoon berths, quay and harbour wall berths | Not reported |
| Ardrishaig Basin | Ardrishaig, Crinan Canal | £2,165 | £216.53 | pontoon berths | Not reported |
| Bellanoch Marina | Bellanoch, Crinan Canal | £2,201 | £220.08 | pontoon berths | Not reported |
| Gairlochy | Gairlochy, Caledonian Canal and Loch Lochy | £2,207 | £220.67 | pontoon berths, linear moorings | Not reported |
From each site's published tariff. "–" means the site doesn't say. Prices change; confirm with the site.
Questions
How much does a mooring for a 10m boat cost in Scotland?
Across the 71 cheapest walk-ashore berths here that publish a price, a 10m boat costs from £78 a year at Lerwick Port Authority to £7,450 a year at Viewforth Quay. The middle figure is £2,070 a year. Check what each includes: electricity, water and VAT vary.
What are the cheapest cheapest walk-ashore berths in Scotland?
For a 10m boat, Lerwick Port Authority is cheapest at £78 a year.
Which cheapest walk-ashore berths in Scotland have space now?
3 of the 71 told us in the last six weeks they have space: Nairn Harbour, Whitehills Marina and Port Bannatyne Marina. Each page shows the date they told us and what they have.
Can you live aboard at cheapest walk-ashore berths in Scotland?
8 of the 71 say you can: Girvan Harbour (liveaboard by arrangement), Auchinstarry Marina (residential moorings with planning consent), Southbank Marina (residential moorings with planning consent), Seaport Marina (residential moorings with planning consent), Applecross Claypits (residential moorings with planning consent), Causewayend (liveaboards allowed), Leamington Wharf East (liveaboards allowed) and Viewforth Quay (liveaboards allowed). Living aboard can need planning consent and council tax; ask each site about its terms.
Do I need a licence as well as a mooring?
On top of the mooring fee: of these, 26 need a Scottish Canals licence and 4 need the navigation's own licence. Coastal marinas usually need none.
Broader
Cheapest walk-ashore berths in Scotland, by county
Cheapest walk-ashore berths in other areas
- England 298
- Northern Ireland 13
- Wales 18
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