Scrabster

Scrabster is a small Port Village 112 miles north of Inverness, on the north coast of Scotland, 2 miles northwest of Thurso.

Scrabster is popular for the large Northlink Ferry that runs to the Orkney Islands, 90 minute crossing, long beach, Diners with views over the Harbour, and 5 mile Walking Route around Holborn Head with a Lighthouse, Sea Stacks, and Caves.

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The image top is from the main road down into Scrabster, looking over the long Beach and Harbour.

The image second top is of the Northlink Ferry that runs two or three times per day between Scrabster and Stromness on Orkney, second largest town after Kirkwall. Stromness and Kirkwall are 14 miles apart.

The Ferry Inn is on the Main Street with the Restaurant having good views over the Harbour.

The Captains Galley Seafood Restaurant is also on the Main Street by the Harbour.

Scrabster History

875 - the Orkney Islands were taken over by Norse / Vikings. The Vikings then began trying to take control of areas on Mainland Scotland.

1140s? - the Bishop of Caithness had a Castle built at Scrabster to serve as his Secure Residence.

1201 - the Norse Earl of Orkney, Harald Maddadson, tortured a Bishop at Scrabster Castle, forcing the Bishop to relocate to Halkirk 9 miles south.

1472 - King James III of Scotland gained control of Orkney through a Land Deal with the Norse.

1544 - the Sinclairs, Earls of Caithness, gained control of Scrabster Castle.

1726 - Scrabster Castle was noted as being in Ruin, very little remains.

1820 - the first Pier at Scrabster was built at a time the first Steam Powered Boats began operating around Scotland.

1834 - Scrabster House was built high above the Harbour.

1841 - the Scrabster Harbour Trust was formed, leading to the Harbour being used by Ships from Mainland Ports such as Aberdeen, Edinburgh, and Glasgow.

1856 - the first known regular Ferry Service between Scrabster and Stromness was founded by John Stanger.

1862 - Holborn Head Lighthouse was built to help Guide Ships into Scrabster.

1874 - the Highland Railway reached Thurso, leading to the Ferries also serving as Royal Mail Ships.

1970s - the St Ola Pier was built for Roll On Roll Off Ferries.

1990s - the Fish Market at Scrabster was enlarged with Fishing Boats from around Europe landing their catches.

2002 - the new Queen Elizabeth Quay was built for the larger Northlink Ferry that began running between Scrabster and Stromness.