Nairn Harbour

Nairn harbour is a popular leisure vessel facility and holiday destination that was once an ancient fishing port. It offers a limited number of visitor berths to mariners who want to explore the Highlands and enjoy the hospitality of the town of Nairn. The harbour area covers all waters below the level of MHWS and starts at the A96 trunk road bridge over the River Nairn at Bridge Street. It follows the West bank of the River Nairn at the level of MHWS via the harbour mouth and ends at the East bank of the River Nairn on the level of MHWS to the A96 trunk road bridge over the River Nairn at Bridge Street. It extends up to Latitude 57° 35.39’ N, Longitude 03° 52.236’ W; then in a N'ly direction for a distance of 905 metres to Latitude 57° 35.877’ N, Longitude 03° 52.299’ W; then in an E'ly direction for a distance of 1420 metres to Latitude 57° 35.396’ N, Longitude 03 50.874'W; then in a S'ly direction for a distance of 470m to Latitude 57° 35.681’ N, Longitude 03 50.846'W. No pilotage services are available, but it is recommended to seek local advice from the Harbour Master. The entrance to the harbour is located at the mouth of the River Nairn, between the two piers that extend seaward on each side of the river mouth. The entrance should only be approached from the N.N.W. direction within the white portion of the sector light located on the East pier head. The harbour entrance is very tidal and cannot be navigated at low water. It is recommended to not attempt entry at night unless familiar with the harbour. At extremely low water, a sand and gravel bar is exposed approximately 200 metres N.N.W. from the pier head. Caution should be exercised when crossing the bar, especially during the ebb tide in a swell. The safest times for entry are at 1.5 hours on either side of HW. However, it is recommended for visiting vessels to plan their passage to arrive on the rising tide to reduce the risk of stranding in the river on the falling tide. For any queries related to Nairn harbour, you can contact Robbie Barron, the Harbour Master, on phone 01667 456008, mobile 07851 635088, or email nairn.harbourmaster@gmail.com. For all other enquiries, please contact harbours HQ by email harbours@highland.gov.uk or Tony Usher, Harbours Manager on telephone 01349 781615 07785 341188. You can also reach David Seddon, Marine Superintendent, on email david.seddon@highland.gov.uk, office 01349 781614, or mobile 07768 030305.