Cove Harbour

Cove Harbour is a harbour complex constructed between 1829 and 1831 by the engineer Joseph Mitchell. It is situated in a picturesque location and was a favoured subject for artists in the late 19th century, particularly those associated with the Glasgow Boys. The harbour comprises an angled pier and a breakwater separated by a narrow harbour entrance. It is built of large sandstone ashlar blocks. The pier encloses the harbour to the north and features a broad parapet on its seaward side, accessible by two flights of stone steps. Flagstone paving, timber and iron bollards, and concrete reinforcements are also present at the south-east end. A relatively low, steeply battered breakwater runs northwards, angled towards the sea.

The harbour is little altered from its original form. Previous attempts to construct a harbour at Cove in the 18th century had been unsuccessful, being destroyed by storms. The present harbour was jointly financed by Sir John Hall, the local landowner, and the Scottish Board of Fisheries and included the construction of a new road down to the shore; prior access had been via a tunnel (the tunnel entrance is separately listed).

Joseph Mitchell (1803-1896) gained experience as a mason on the Fort Augustus Locks of Thomas Telford’s Caledonian Canal, and subsequently worked as Telford’s clerk, studying engineering. Following his father’s death in 1824, he became Chief Inspector and was later appointed engineer to the Scottish Board of Fisheries, overseeing the construction of 16 harbours, including Cove. Mitchell developed a strong interest in railway construction and was involved in surveying routes for new lines, notably the Highland Railway, his line over the Grampians from Dunkeld to Forres being considered his greatest achievement.