Plan a CruiseScrabster, located on Scotland's remote Far North coast, serves as a gateway to the Highlands and the nearby Orkney Islands. The port's Queen Elizabeth pier features a deep-water basin, and a new cruise berth developed in 2022 can accommodate vessels up to 250 meters in length, making it suitable for expedition and medium-sized cruise ships. Historically, Scrabster was the port of choice for the British Royal Family when visiting the Queen Mother at the Castle of Mey. Today, it offers independent cruise passengers a chance to explore this historically significant and naturally beautiful region.
Getting Around from the Port
The town of Thurso, the second largest in the Highlands, is located a couple of miles from Scrabster and is within walking distance. For convenience, a courtesy bus service is provided for cruise passengers and crew, offering transport to and from Thurso. No other specific transport options like local taxis or public transit are detailed for direct port-to-attraction travel.
Attractions and Activities
- Thurso Exploration: Thurso is the most northerly town on the British mainland, just a couple of miles from Scrabster. While described as largely nondescript, it was historically Scotland's chief port for trade with Scandinavia and features an 18th-century town layout. It serves primarily as a ferry point to the Orkney Islands and attracts some surfers. You can reach Thurso via the complimentary shuttle bus or by walking from the port.
- Castle of Mey: Located 11 miles from Scrabster, the Castle of Mey was the beloved Highland holiday home of the late Queen Mother. It is now a prominent tourist attraction in the area, offering a glimpse into royal history. Independent travel would require arranging a taxi or private transfer from Thurso, as no public transport is specified for this route.
- Day Trip to Orkney Islands: From Scrabster, you can take a ferry to Stromness on one of the Orkney Islands. The ferry trip takes approximately 1.5 hours and offers scenic views, including passing by the famous sea stack, the Old Man of Hoy. This makes for an excellent independent day excursion to explore the unique history and landscapes of Orkney.
- Northern Highlands Wilderness: The surrounding Northern Highlands of Scotland are renowned as "Europe's last great wilderness." The region offers vast skies, natural beauty, and a wealth of historic buildings, heritage centers, and opportunities for wildlife viewing along the majestic north coast.
Dining & Shopping
Specific dining and shopping options directly at the Scrabster cruise terminal are not detailed. However, nearby Thurso, being the largest settlement on the north coast, would be the primary place to find local shops and cafes. General shopping hours in the UK are typically 10 am to 6 pm for small stores (6-7 days a week), with larger stores often open until 9 pm and hypermarkets sometimes 24/7.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Pound (£), sometimes informally referred to as "quid." A crucial tip for visitors is that Scottish banknotes are often not accepted in other parts of the United Kingdom, so it is advisable to exchange any Scottish notes before leaving Scotland. Cash machines (ATMs) are widely available and typically dispense £10 and £20 notes. Major credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, and Maestro, are generally accepted by most shops and restaurants.