Pennan’s piers protect the bay’s only rock-free landing place, embodying repeated attempts to secure a harbour against an exposed coast.
Quick facts
- Date
- Present work from 1854 to 1909 on earlier harbour sites
- Architect / designer
- James Barron for the 1903–04 west pier; Stevenson for the 1909 extension
- Type
- Two rubble piers enclosing a polygonal harbour basin
- Designation
- Listed building, Category B (LB2750)
- OS grid reference
- NJ 84671 65584
Architecture, archaeology and continuing use
A straight arm and shallow U-shaped pier narrow the entrance to a polygonal basin. Raised seawalls shelter the quays, squared rubble forms the main fabric, and a concrete slipway links water and shore.
Its story
A harbour was built in 1704 and another in 1799, though storms appear to have destroyed these early works. The present sequence began with one pier in 1854; James Barron engineered its partner in 1903–04 and Stevenson extended the other arm in 1909.
Why it is included
Category B listing recognises the engineering sequence, the harbour’s central role in fishing and the continuing local trusteeship of a small coastal port.
What to notice
- Different pier plans enclosing one basin.
- Raised seaward faces protecting the quays.
- The 1904 foundation plaque in the later pier.
Reading the surroundings
Use only areas clearly open to the public and give way to harbour activity. Keep back from unguarded edges, wet steps, ropes, vessels and moving equipment.
Timeline
- 1704 The first documented works sheltered a rare clear landing place.
- 1854 A substantial rubble arm began the surviving harbour sequence.
- 1903–1904 James Barron’s complementary pier enclosed the basin more fully.
- 1909 A further extension refined protection at the entrance.
What we know — and what remains uncertain
The exact fate and form of the two earliest harbours, present operating pattern and public boundaries require local confirmation.
Sources & further reading
- Historic Environment Scotland: Pennan Harbour, LB2750 — Designation status, mapped location, date, fabric and architectural or archaeological interest.
- Trove designation: LB2750 — Parallel national record identity and archival context.
Location
OS grid reference NJ 84671 65584 · Location confidence: High: the national designation supplies an official mapped National Grid Reference; an additional source confirms record identity and archival context. · Select the marker to open its satellite view in Google Maps. On desktop, drag Pegman (the yellow figure) onto a blue road. On mobile, turn on the Street View layer and tap a blue road. Other photo markers may be user-contributed.
Suggest a marker correction
Suggest a more accurate position
The teal marker is the current published position. The orange marker starts slightly to its right so both remain visible; this is only a visual starting position. Tap the correct place on the map or drag the orange marker. Sending this form creates a private review entry only; it does not move the published marker.
Check this area in Google Maps Choose the Satellite layer there if useful.
Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors. You can also enter checked coordinates below.