Scottish Tourism Guide - Articles
Sailing in Scotland
Scotland boasts some of the best sailing waters in the world. From sheltered watercourses and tranquil sailing stretches that appeal to the novice, to exhilarating waters that can challenge the most advanced; sailing in Scotland certainly comes highly recommended!
Whether your idea of sailing involves getting to grips with the basics at one of the country’s top-ranking sailing schools or even sailing the seas single-handed, Scotland’s well-established sailing sector offers a huge range of options, with something to suit all tastes and levels of ability.
dolphins in the Moray Firth - copyright VisitScotland/Scottish Viewpoint
Sailing in Scotland: Essential Information
- The Scottish sailing industry is recognised worldwide for its well-established infrastructure, its quality provision and excellent on shore visitor facilities.
- Scotland’s waters are remarkably clean and pollution-free; tides are only moderately strong and fog is rarely a problem.
- Scottish harbours are fairly un-crowded, with commercial shipping tightly regulated. Pilotage is generally straightforward.
- Scotland has no shortage of first-rate marinas that attract cruising yachtsmen, both under power and sail, from far and wide. Well-equipped stop-off and refuelling points are also plentiful.
- For those considering a sailing holiday in Scotland, access to the country’s prime sailing destinations has never been easier (or cheaper), with budget airlines providing regular flights from most major UK and European airports. Onward rail links to Scottish ports and top sailing locations and the main marinas are good.
Scottish Sailing ‘Hotspots’
Argyll, on Scotland’s west coast, is the traditional centre for Scottish cruising. Several superb marinas with a network of facilities providing for the sailor’s every need, sailing companies offering all forms of boating back-up, not to mention the enjoyment of nautical miles of stunning scenery, have all established the Argyll coastline as a Scottish sailing hotspot.
The cruising fraternity also favours the Islands of Orkney and Shetland, on Scotland’s north east coast, with its four new marina developments and many new pontoons.
The eastern coastal region is also increasing in popularity, with facilities for cruising boats, improving year on year.
Scotland’s inshore waters are very popular with skippers of small and medium-sized craft. The seas around the Western Isles and larger lakes such as Loch Lomond are particularly enticing, as too are the inland waterways and sheltered lochs of the Firth of Clyde. There are twelve locations, for example, with pontoon berthing, in traditional harbour or marina settings, along the Firth of Clyde alone.
For the ultimate in unspoilt waters, set sail for the remote stretches surrounding St Kilda and the Flannan Isles. Also, if you wish to combine distant waters with mesmerising glimpses of rare wildlife amidst captivating coastal landscapes, head for the Isle of Skye and the Hebrides.
Sailing around Scotland
Sailing around Scotland’s glorious coastline, punctuated with forays into some of the many inlets en route, be it self-sail or skippered, can be a truly magical experience.
What’s more, the Scottish sailing industry is really geared up to meet the huge demand for this type of sailing holiday. In fact, many Scottish sailing companies deal exclusively in trips that encompass Scotland’s waters. The variety of sailing craft on offer is impressive; take your pick from state-of-the art yachts to replica, historic sailing vessels - whatever floats your boat!
Alternatively, let someone else do the graft for you. Sit back and relax on board a luxury cruise ship or even a privately hired skippered yacht; take in the breathtaking coastal scenery; enjoy the clean Scottish air and revitalising environment, arguably at its very best.
Learn to Sail in Scotland
Scotland’s sailing tuition provision is probably second to none. Scotland has over twenty-five Royal Yachting Association (RYA) teaching centres (all in glorious locations!) to choose from, each offering a wide range of water sport courses including sailing. All levels of ability and nautical ambition are catered for and RYA qualifications are available at all stages. RYA sailing centres are renowned for their great atmosphere, sense of camaraderie and, of course, their excellent instruction including easy-to-follow pilot guides and general practical guidance.
Resources
Sail Scotland: For a wealth of information including details of Scottish sailing companies, charters, marinas, anchorage, organised trips, self-sail, sailing schools, onshore facilities, etc, check out the www.sailscotland.co.uk website.
Charts: Admiralty and Imray charts (details from the www.ryascotland.org.uk).
Top Tip
Charter a skippered craft and make the most of your sailing holiday; chartering is one of the best (and cheapest) ways of enjoying the unique Scottish sailing experience, at your own pace!
Whether your idea of sailing involves getting to grips with the basics at one of the country’s top-ranking sailing schools or even sailing the seas single-handed, Scotland’s well-established sailing sector offers a huge range of options, with something to suit all tastes and levels of ability.
dolphins in the Moray Firth - copyright VisitScotland/Scottish Viewpoint
Sailing in Scotland: Essential Information
- The Scottish sailing industry is recognised worldwide for its well-established infrastructure, its quality provision and excellent on shore visitor facilities.
- Scotland’s waters are remarkably clean and pollution-free; tides are only moderately strong and fog is rarely a problem.
- Scottish harbours are fairly un-crowded, with commercial shipping tightly regulated. Pilotage is generally straightforward.
- Scotland has no shortage of first-rate marinas that attract cruising yachtsmen, both under power and sail, from far and wide. Well-equipped stop-off and refuelling points are also plentiful.
- For those considering a sailing holiday in Scotland, access to the country’s prime sailing destinations has never been easier (or cheaper), with budget airlines providing regular flights from most major UK and European airports. Onward rail links to Scottish ports and top sailing locations and the main marinas are good.
Scottish Sailing ‘Hotspots’
Argyll, on Scotland’s west coast, is the traditional centre for Scottish cruising. Several superb marinas with a network of facilities providing for the sailor’s every need, sailing companies offering all forms of boating back-up, not to mention the enjoyment of nautical miles of stunning scenery, have all established the Argyll coastline as a Scottish sailing hotspot.
The cruising fraternity also favours the Islands of Orkney and Shetland, on Scotland’s north east coast, with its four new marina developments and many new pontoons.
The eastern coastal region is also increasing in popularity, with facilities for cruising boats, improving year on year.
Scotland’s inshore waters are very popular with skippers of small and medium-sized craft. The seas around the Western Isles and larger lakes such as Loch Lomond are particularly enticing, as too are the inland waterways and sheltered lochs of the Firth of Clyde. There are twelve locations, for example, with pontoon berthing, in traditional harbour or marina settings, along the Firth of Clyde alone.
For the ultimate in unspoilt waters, set sail for the remote stretches surrounding St Kilda and the Flannan Isles. Also, if you wish to combine distant waters with mesmerising glimpses of rare wildlife amidst captivating coastal landscapes, head for the Isle of Skye and the Hebrides.
Sailing around Scotland
Sailing around Scotland’s glorious coastline, punctuated with forays into some of the many inlets en route, be it self-sail or skippered, can be a truly magical experience.
What’s more, the Scottish sailing industry is really geared up to meet the huge demand for this type of sailing holiday. In fact, many Scottish sailing companies deal exclusively in trips that encompass Scotland’s waters. The variety of sailing craft on offer is impressive; take your pick from state-of-the art yachts to replica, historic sailing vessels - whatever floats your boat!
Alternatively, let someone else do the graft for you. Sit back and relax on board a luxury cruise ship or even a privately hired skippered yacht; take in the breathtaking coastal scenery; enjoy the clean Scottish air and revitalising environment, arguably at its very best.
Learn to Sail in Scotland
Scotland’s sailing tuition provision is probably second to none. Scotland has over twenty-five Royal Yachting Association (RYA) teaching centres (all in glorious locations!) to choose from, each offering a wide range of water sport courses including sailing. All levels of ability and nautical ambition are catered for and RYA qualifications are available at all stages. RYA sailing centres are renowned for their great atmosphere, sense of camaraderie and, of course, their excellent instruction including easy-to-follow pilot guides and general practical guidance.
Resources
Sail Scotland: For a wealth of information including details of Scottish sailing companies, charters, marinas, anchorage, organised trips, self-sail, sailing schools, onshore facilities, etc, check out the www.sailscotland.co.uk website.
Charts: Admiralty and Imray charts (details from the www.ryascotland.org.uk).
Top Tip
Charter a skippered craft and make the most of your sailing holiday; chartering is one of the best (and cheapest) ways of enjoying the unique Scottish sailing experience, at your own pace!
