Cromarty Maritime Information
Throughout its history Cromarty has been defined by its proximity to the sea. Today, the Cromarty Firth still provides livelihood and leisure for those who live in and visit our town. Here are some links that reflect Cromarty's maritime history, economy and leisure pursuits:
Cromarty's historic links to the sea
The Cromarty Lighthouse
Built by one of the 'lighthouse Stevensons' in 1846 and, sadly, closed in 2006 to be replaced by a buoy.
Cromarty, Living By The Sea
As part of Cromarty's contribution to the Highland Year of Culture 2007, this compilation of interviews, reminiscences, poems and children's drawings reflects what it means to 'live by the sea'. The accompanying book is out of print. Copies are available at Highland Council libraries.
The Cromarty Firth — a 'marine highway'
Cromarty Harbour
Today, Cromarty Harbour is home to commercial fishermen, leisure craft, the Cromarty Queen four-car ferry, the EvoVenture RIB and visiting yachts. This website gives details of the facilities provided by the Harbour and information on the activities of the Cromarty Harbour Trust.
Cromarty-Nigg Ferry
The MV Renfrew Rose operates a half-hourly service between Cromarty and Nigg, leaving Cromarty on the hour and half-hour. The service will run from 1 May until the end of September. The ferry accommodates two cars and 12 passengers.
Live shipping movements around Cromarty
For 'live time' shipping movements in the Cromarty Firth, check this website which gives details of (large) individual vessels, including name, location, speed, destination and ETA.
Cruise liner schedule
Locals and visitors alike enjoy watching the parade of cruise ships that visit the Cromarty Firth from March to September. The size of vessels ranges from the windjammer Sea Cloud 2 with 85 passengers to the new MSC Meraviglia with 4500.
Leisure activities at sea
The Cromarty Boat Club
News of boating (sail and power boats) activities and competitions, social events and facilities offered by the Club based at Cromarty Harbour.
Wildlife and natural history
Ecoventures
Wildlife-watching in the Cromarty and Moray firths
University of Aberdeen Lighthouse Field Station
Since 1990, the Lighthouse Field Station has provided a Highland base for the Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences' research and teaching on the ecology of seals, dolphins and other marine wildlife.
Safety at sea
Invergordon Lifeboat
Our local Lifeboat station covering the Cromarty Firth
Tides and coastal weather forecast
Tide Tables
BBC tides for Cromarty (258 Cromarty)
BBC Coastal forecast (wind, visibility, weather)
BBC coastal forecast