Coastal towns in Scotland: A guide for homebuyers
Living in one of the coastal towns in Scotland presents unique advantages for homebuyers.
Scotland’s coastline is a tapestry of rugged cliffs, tranquil beaches, and historic harbours. It is dotted with coastal towns, each boasting its own distinctive charm and character.
From the haunting beauty of the northern Highlands to the rolling waves of the Borders, these towns offer more than just picturesque vistas; they are steeped in history, rich in culture, and vibrant with community life.
Here we explore some of the most stunning coastal towns in Scotland and what each has to offer:
Portree
Often considered one of the most picturesque coastal towns in Scotland, Portree, the largest town on the Isle of Skye, combines natural beauty with practical amenities. Characterised by its attractive harbour, traditional Scottish architecture, and a range of properties including historic stone houses and modern residences, Portree caters to diverse preferences.
The town is well-equipped with essential amenities such as local shops, restaurants, as well as healthcare facilities. Portree Primary and Portree High School provide comprehensive schooling options.
Residents are connected to major areas through road networks and public transport services, including bus routes to other parts of Skye and beyond.
Tobermory
Tobermory, located on the Isle of Mull, is a vibrant coastal town known for its brightly coloured waterfront buildings and serene natural setting. Housing in Tobermory includes both traditional Scottish cottages and contemporary homes, offering residents a choice to suit their architectural tastes.
The town’s amenities, while reflecting its small-town charm, adequately provide for the local community with a variety of shops, eateries, and cultural venues such as the Mull Museum and the An Tobar and Mull Theatre. For families, the provision of quality education is evidenced by the local Tobermory High School, which serves both as a primary and secondary school.
Tobermory combines the tranquillity of island life with essential amenities.
It acts as a gateway to the rest of the island, with regular ferry services to the mainland and local bus connections.
Oban
Oban, a resort town within the Argyll and Bute council area, is widely recognised for its bustling port and status as a gateway to the Hebridean Islands. The property landscape in Oban is diverse, offering a mix of Victorian terraces, waterfront apartments, and modern housing developments, appealing to a range of tastes and budgets.
The town’s amenities are comprehensive, featuring an array of shops, seafood restaurants, and cultural attractions like the Oban War and Peace Museum. Oban is served by schools such as Oban High School, which enjoys a positive reputation for delivering quality education across a broad curriculum.
The town boasts excellent transport links including a railway station with services to major cities, a bus station providing regional connections, and a ferry terminal offering routes to many islands and peninsulas.
This combination of facilities and connectivity makes Oban an attractive location for residents seeking a balance between scenic living and practicality.
Lossiemouth
Lossiemouth, situated in Moray, is a town with an economy historically rooted in fishing and is now known for its Royal Air Force base. The housing market in Lossiemouth presents a variety of options, including traditional stone-built houses and more modern developments, suited to different preferences and lifestyles.
The town’s amenities offer convenience with local supermarkets, independent shops, and a selection of dining options, particularly seafood restaurants capitalising on the area’s rich maritime heritage. Educational facilities in Lossiemouth are represented by institutions such as Lossiemouth High School, which provides comprehensive educational opportunities and is well-regarded in the community.
The town benefits from bus services that facilitate connectivity to larger towns in Moray and beyond. Lossiemouth’s allure is augmented by its beautiful beaches and the renowned Moray Golf Club, making it a desirable location for both families and professionals.
Stonehaven
Stonehaven, a picturesque coastal town in Aberdeenshire, is celebrated for its historic charm and scenic harbour. The town offers an eclectic mix of property types, from traditional Scottish granite homes to more contemporary housing estates, catering to a broad spectrum of housing preferences.
Stonehaven is equipped with an array of local amenities, including independent boutiques, restaurants and cafés, and the renowned open-air swimming pool, open from May to early September, which is a unique attraction within the region. The town places a strong emphasis on education, with schools such as Mackie Academy known for their robust educational programmes and commitment to student development.
Stonehaven railway station provides regular services to Aberdeen and other major cities, and a network of roads facilitate easy access to the surrounding areas. Stonehaven also boasts the stunning Dunnottar Castle nearby, further enriching its cultural and historical appeal.
Carnoustie
Carnoustie, renowned for its prestigious golfing heritage, is a town that lies in the council area of Angus. The property market in Carnoustie is diverse, with offerings that range from Victorian and Edwardian-era houses to modern developments, satisfying various housing needs and preferences.
The town’s amenities are well-established, providing residents with convenience stores, local shops, eateries, and leisure facilities, including the world-famous Carnoustie Golf Links. Education in the town is upheld by institutions such as Carnoustie High School, which offers a broad educational programme designed to serve the needs of its student community.
Carnoustie railway station provides regular train services to Dundee and Aberdeen, while local bus routes enhance connectivity within the town and its environs.
Anstruther
Another of the coastal towns in Scotland is Anstruther, the biggest and busiest harbour town in the wonderful East Neuk. Perched on a busy marina and overlooking the ocean. Its property market reflects a traditional aesthetic with classic cottages, as well as offering modern housing options.
Anstruther is a lively hub of cafes, restaurants, and boutique accommodation.
Though perhaps less quaint than its pretty fishing village neighbours of Pittenweem and Crail, it’s a place well worth visiting with attractions such as the Scottish Fisheries Museum anchoring its cultural identity.
The town prides itself on its educational offerings, with schools such as The Waid Academy, which is recognised for delivering a comprehensive and enriching educational experience to its pupils. Situated in the middle of the East Neuk, it’s just over an hour from Edinburgh, convenient to access by car or bus, and just a short walk along the coast to several of the very best beaches and harbour villages in Fife.
Dunbar
Dunbar, a coastal town in East Lothian, holds a distinctive allure with its rich maritime history and status as the birthplace of the influential naturalist, John Muir. The property spectrum in Dunbar spans from historic stone houses reflecting its heritage to newer housing estates, meeting a variety of residential preferences.
The town’s amenities are robust, with numerous local shops, cafes, and recreational facilities, including two harbours and the John Muir Country Park. Dunbar’s commitment to education is evident through schools such as Dunbar Grammar School, which offers a solid educational foundation and fosters a supportive learning environment.
Dunbar has good transport links; its train station offers frequent services to Edinburgh and beyond, and bus routes provide good local and regional access.
Life in the coastal towns in Scotland
So, whether you are drawn by the cobbled streets of Portree, the golfing legacy of Carnoustie or the seafood delicacies of Anstruther, the coastal towns in Scotland offer a unique balance of scenic splendour, convenience, and community spirit that make them ideal locations to call home.
To find out more about the coastal towns in Scotland, contact Garrington today for expert advice on your next move.
