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 Cromarty Firth — a 'marine highway'
Cromarty Harbour
Today, Cromarty Harbour is home to commercial fishermen, leisure craft, the Cromarty Rose two-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
New four-car ferry now expected in August, but it has NOT arrived yet. When delivered, ferry will operate daily until the end of September, leaving Cromarty on the hour and half-hour, and leaving Nigg at quarter to and quarter past the hour. The service operates from 8:00am to 6:15pm, and until 7:15pm in July and August, Monday to Saturday, and from 9:00am on Sundays.
Cromarty Firth Shipping Movements
Watching from the shore, you can see supply boats, tankers, oil rigs and other vessels moving into the Firth to make use of the Nigg Oil Terminal and service and supply bases at Invergordon. This website lists Port and Cromarty Firth movements over the previous week.
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 May to September. You can download a provisional pdf of the 2010 Cruise Liner schedule from the bottom of the Document Library page.
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 Zoology Department's 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
Cromarty Coastguard
The site for the local Coastguard Search and Rescue Team
Tides and coastal weather forecast
Tide Tables
BBC tides for Cromarty
BBC Coastal forecast (wind, visibility, weather)
BBC coastal forecast Duncansby Head to Rattray Head
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