Private harbour near Thurso up for auction
A 19th-century Caithness harbour has been put on the market with the prospect of investment in the surrounding buildings.
Sandside Harbour is on the market with a guide price of £45,000. It is described by selling agents Savills as a “unique private stone harbour with bothy and traditional net store situated in a private position in need of complete refurbishment”.
The harbour was built around 1830 in Reay by Major William Innes of Sandside for both trade and fishing.
It is located down a private road, sheltered to the west by high ground with far-reaching views to the north overlooking Orkney and to the east over the Pentland Firth.
Unearthed journal reveals secret lives of Sandside House residents
New sign highlights places of interest around Sandside
The traditional category A listed stone harbour has immaculate stone-built harbour walls, according to Savills Auctions, with two L-plan piers forming a simple basin as well as a slipway from which boats may be launched.
The harbour is used on a grace and favour basis by local small leisure boats and a few boats that are used for lobster and crab fishing.
The net store is also category A listed and is of traditional stone construction, set beneath a slate and metal sheet roof. It is built into the bank with west elevation and a symmetrical east façade with two ground floor doors each flanked by windows. The Bothy Flat forms the upper floor of the net store building located on the harbour edge.
The ground floor of the net store building has a double height ceiling from the days when it was used for hanging out fishing nets, and access directly onto the harbourside.
Subject to appropriate planning and listed building consents, the agent said, this could be converted to provide further accommodation or incorporated into the bothy flat above to provide a larger single dwelling.
Robin Howeson, head of Savills Auctions, said: “It’s not every day that a private harbour comes up for sale at auction and we are delighted to be bringing this rarely available asset to the market.
“Sandside Harbour is a private stone harbour situated on the north coast of Scotland and comes to the auction market with a guide price of £45,000.
“Built in 1830 the lot comprises 4.77 acres, an immaculate stone-built harbour wall, a traditional net store and a bothy that offers residential development opportunities, subject to the appropriate planning and listed building consents.
“Used on a grace and favour basis by local small boats that are used for lobster and crab fishing, a buyer could see themselves becoming part of the local community.
“With pricing tailored to attract a suitable buyer, I’d expect interest to come largely from developers or private buyers looking to invest into this historic harbour.”
The auction listing can be accessed here
