Building record MAB25996 - COVE HARBOUR

Harbour depicted on the OS 2nd edition map which shows two piers enclosing a small natural harbour.

Harbour depicted on the OS 2nd edition map which shows two piers enclosing a small natural harbour. On the 1st edition map it is only a natural cove named Cove Haven, but the need for an enhanced harbour was recognised by the mid 1800s. The first plans were drawn up in 1874, the harbour eventually built in 1878, financed by Alexander Kilgour. Breakwaters and a slipway were constructed, and the harbour deepened.

Recorded during site visit in April 2023 as part of the SCAPE Coastal Zone Assessment Survey. The concrete and bedrock west harbour wall is now ruinous, but retains a large winch and mooring ring which local information suggests dates to the 1960s. The larger concrete east harbour remains, in relatively good condition. Salmon was the main fishing from Cove in the 20th century, ceasing in the 1980s. There used to be a Blondin line which carried the catch to the top of the cliff. The New Statistical Account (1845) records nine boats in Cove, generally engaged in white fishing.

SCAPE, 2023, COASTAL ZONE ASSESSMENT SURVEY ABERDEENSHIRE AND CITY OF ABERDEEN: CULLEN TO MILTON NESS, ID 15067 (Bibliographic reference). SAB4866.

Record last edited

Mar 17 2026 2:58PM