A curved pier and a longer projecting arm enclose a compact triangular harbour whose depth helped Rosehearty prosper on an exposed coast.
Quick facts
- Date
- Mainly 19th century, incorporating probable earlier work
- Architect / designer
- Unknown engineers and harbour builders
- Type
- Triangular rubble harbour enclosed by curved and projecting piers
- Designation
- Listed building, Category B (LB40433)
- OS grid reference
- NJ 93124 67774
Architecture, archaeology and continuing use
Rubble piers narrow the entrance and raise their seaward faces as protective walls. The longer arm ends in a small circular concrete beacon, while tooled stone and later concrete reveal phases of maintenance.
Its story
Rosehearty became a busy fishing port in the early nineteenth century. A decision in 1810 established that harbour dues belonged to the feuer rather than the heritor, and the growing income became important to the burgh economy.
Why it is included
Category B listing recognises the harbour’s engineering form, probable earlier fabric and central role in fishing and municipal prosperity.
What to notice
- The contrast between curved and straight pier arms.
- Raised seawalls sheltering the quay surfaces.
- The circular beacon terminating the projecting pier.
Reading the surroundings
Use only surfaces clearly open to the public, give way to harbour activity and keep back from unguarded edges, wet steps, ropes and moving equipment.
Timeline
- Before 1800 Earlier harbour work may survive within the later piers.
- 1810 A legal finding redirected harbour-dues income within the burgh.
- 19th century Improved anchorage supported a busy fishing port.
What we know — and what remains uncertain
The precise earlier construction phases, present operating pattern and public boundaries require local confirmation.
Sources & further reading
- Historic Environment Scotland: Rosehearty Harbour, LB40433 — Designation status, mapped location, date, fabric and architectural or archaeological interest.
- Trove designation: LB40433 — Parallel national record identity and archival context.
Location
OS grid reference NJ 93124 67774 · 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.
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