Amid the constant rain showers and blustery winds of a downright dreich August, an al fresco seafood feast might not be high on your list of priorities.
But with many of Scotland’s finest shellfish shacks, cabins and trailers only operating during the summer months, now could be your last chance to indulge in the best of our waters outside of a restaurant setting for another year.
Serving everything from oysters overlooking the sea to fish fingers sandwiches on the Portobello Promenade, here are 10 of our favourite casual seafood spots to visit before the season ends.
Lobster Shack
The Old Pier, North Berwick
At this seaside spot in North Berwick, the entire menu of lobster, crab, haddock and more is cooked to order using produce sourced from boats around the harbour.
The shack is also fully licensed, serving cold beers, wines and prosecco to go alongside your dish of choice.
Oban Seafood Hut
Railway Pier, Oban
No visit to Oban is incomplete without a stop at this famous green hut at the Railway Pier where you’ll find freshly shucked oysters, individual pots of hot smoked salmon and meaty crab claws.
Just make sure to keep an eye out for the local seagulls, known for trying their best to pinch a seafood snack of their own.
The Creel Seafood Bar
Fioonphort Pier, Isle of Mull
“You don't get seafood much fresher than this”, the team behind this charming hut by the Fioonphort ferry terminal promises.
It’s true, with much of produce caught by the owner himself or brought in by local divers.
If you have time to spare, nab a seat in their outdoor decking area to savour a portion of mussels cooked in white wine or a ½ lobster dripping with garlic butter, while taking in views over the sea to Iona.
The Shellfish Shack
10 Shore Street, Anstruther
The historic village of Anstruther in Fife is one of Scotland’s most celebrated seafood hotspots with award-winning chippies, waterfront restaurants and cosy cafes.
Discover the best of what the area has to offer at the Shellfish Shack with an extensive menu that ranges from fresh baguettes stuffed with smoked salmon to hefty seafood platters designed to be shared.
The Oyster Shed
Carbost, Isle of Skye
A foodie institution on the Isle of Skye which, unlike many others, is open Monday to Friday all year round.
The shed serves oysters from across the UK as well as a locally sourced bounty of scallops , crab, mussels and langoustines which varies as the seasons change.
While in the Carbost, it’s well worth taking a trip to the Talisker Distillery to learn more about its maritime single malt and sample a dram or two.
The Seafood Shack
West Argyle Street, Ullapool
Owners Kirsty and Fenella founded The Seafood Shack in 2016 with one goal, “to provide Ullapool with local seafood that is fresh and cooked simply, yet delicious”.
After realising that a high percentage of seafood was being shipped out of the area, the duo set to work opening their own business that would allow them to cut out the middleman and showcase the morning’s catch with a menu that changes every day.
“This not only keeps the customers on their toes, but keeps us on ours”, they say of the set up.
During a summer season that’s been somewhat lacking in sunshine, a hearty bowl of their Cullen skink served with crusty bread is sure to brighten your day.
Skipness Seafood Cabin
Skipness House, Tarbert
The Seafood Cabin has been running “in some form or another” since 1988, when it started out as a trailer next to Skipness Castle serving teas, coffee and crab rolls.
Things have only become bigger and better for the team in the decades since, with a new indoor seating area opened just this summer offering a “warm and, most importantly, midge-free” space to tuck in to the likes of Gravadlax salads, grilled kippers and creel caught langoustines.
Kishorn Seafood Bar
Kishorn, Strathcarron
Located at the head of Loch Kishorn and enjoying views of Skye and the Applecross hills, this quaint stop on the North Coast 500 is “not to be missed for seafood lovers”.
While the usual suspects including mussels, smoked fish and scallops are all listed on their menu, be sure to check out daily specials like squat lobster tails, orzo pasta and seafood sushi.
Seafood Bothy
Stonehaven Pier, Stonehaven
Whether it’s in their lobster and prawn toasties with cheese and Marie Rose sauce or crab tortilla wraps, you’re guaranteed to find “seafood straight from the surf” served from this retro horse trailer at Stonehaven Pier.
ShrimpWreck
Figgate Lane, Edinburgh
There’s no need to venture far from the city in search of fresh seafood during Edinburgh Fringe season.
Instead make a beeline for the Portobello Promenade where the ShrimpWreck team will sort you out with brioche buns filled with battered king prawns and bacon jam, old-school fish finger sandwiches with mushy peas or crispy squid with fiery Sichuan and chilli seasoning.
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