The Harbour, Marine Terrace, Cromarty

The Harbour at Marine Terrace in Cromarty is a significant structure built between 1781 and 1785 by John Smeaton, with oversight by John Gwyn. It is enclosed by two piers made of ashlar stone and cobbles, featuring bull-nosed ends, along with an outer breakwater or mole.

The south pier incorporated an existing stone jetty and was complemented by a curved north pier and the outer breakwater. The north pier includes an arched tunnel that was opened in winter to promote tidal scouring of the harbour. In 1879, a timber bridge connected the outer breakwater to the south pier, which was later replaced by a metal bridge in 1995.

The harbour underwent repairs and modifications in the 1830s, which included the addition of a stone ramp to the southeast and a parapet wall on the north pier. Later, the Admiralty made further enhancements, extending the breakwater with reinforced concrete to create additional landing stages. The site features stone and timber bollards, as well as a cast-iron post crane on the east pier.