Making the most of Scrabster Scotland
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Eleven miles from the Castle of Mey and within walking distance of Thurso, the Highlands' second largest town, Scrabster's Queen Elizabeth pier and deep-water basin have opened the Far North's remote, beautiful landscape to larger cruise vessels. Cruise passengers and crew can use a courtesy bus to and from Thurso.
The Scottish port now suits expedition and medium-sized ships, and a new cruise berth developed in 2022 permits vessels up to 250 meters long to berth.
Take a printable map with you.
For decades, Scrabster in Caithness was the British Queen and her family's chosen port when they left the royal yacht Britannia each August to visit the Queen Mother at her nearby Highland holiday home.
A new generation now follows their footsteps. The late Queen Mother's Castle of Mey home is Britain's newest tourist attraction, and cruise lines seeking a regal visit for their itineraries are choosing Scrabster too.
The new Queen Elizabeth pier and deep-water basin at Scrabster, eleven miles from the Castle of Mey and within walking distance of Thurso, the Highlands' second largest town, have for the first time opened the remote, beautiful Far North to larger cruise vessels.
Europe's last great wilderness is the Northern Highlands of Scotland. Its natural beauty and huge skies made it a royal favorite for more than 50 years. Caithness and Sutherland offer visitors historic buildings and heritage centers alongside the great outdoors, with tours of the majestic north coast, wildlife and natural heritage.
Getting around
Only a couple of miles from Scrabster, Thurso is the ferry terminal for Stromness on one of the Orkney Islands. The crossing takes about an hour and a half, passing the Old Man of Hoy.
Nearby places
Thurso is the British mainland's northernmost town and by far the north coast's largest settlement. It was Scotland's main medieval port for Scandinavian trade, though much of today's town dates to the late 18th century, when Sir John Sinclair created the 'new' extension to the old fishing port. The nearby Dounreay nuclear power plant expanded the town to house its workforce, but the plant's demise has put the local economy at risk. Today, Thurso is fairly nondescript, visited mostly by Stromness-ferry passengers for Orkney or occasional hardcore surfers.
Money
The UK uses the pound (£), whose slang name is quid. Scottish bank notes are frowned upon in other parts of the UK, so change them before leaving Scotland.
Cash machines (ATM), also called 'holes in the wall', are very widespread and usually issue £10 and £20 notes.
Most shops and restaurants accept Visa, Mastercard and Maestro.
Staying connected
People nationwide speak English, but their accents can occasionally be heavy!
Free WiFi is offered by most cafe's and restaurants.
Dial 999 for a local emergency in Scrabster; EU-wide number 112 is also accepted.
Opening Hours and
General shopping hours:
Small stores open 6 or 7 days each week, from 10am - 6pm; larger stores generally remain open until 9PM, and Hyper marts often operate 24/7.