Munlochy Bay Boat Graveyard

SCAPE was established in 2001 to survey, record, and research the coastal archaeological sites in Scotland, particularly those at risk of coastal erosion.

NOSAS and SCAPE have worked together on several projects over ten years or more. NOSAS was previously a partner in the SCAPE survey of the Zulu fishing fleet at Loch Fleet near Golpsie in 2013-14, and in Findhorn Bay in 2015.

On a recent joint survey day, in April 2022, a group of NOSAS members led by Jo Hambly and Tom Dawson from SCAPE walked the northern shore of Munlochy Bay. An old harbour with derelict boats was known about. This was the harbour that supplied Fort George with building stone. However, what wasn't previously known was that just west of the harbour was a line of about ten derelict fishing boats, drawn up between high and low water marks.

The vessels are Zulus and were likely once part of the herring fishing fleet at nearby Avoch. They would have been abandoned in the first half of the 20th Century. SCAPE and NOSAS, went back for a further site visit and initial survey in June 2022, with assistance from local residents. A more detailed survey is planned for April 2023. That will be combined with a public talk on Boat Graveyards by Jo & Tom and the opportunity for local people to come to talk about their, or their forebears', fishing experience.