VisitScotland has unveiled a curated list of Scotland's "best seafood shacks," offering visitors fresh seafood and stunning coastal views. The tourism board also highlighted the "must-try" dishes at each eatery, ranging from wholetail scampi with chips to fish tacos. With sunny skies and hot temperatures forecast for the coming days, many people are expected to head to the seaside to enjoy freshly caught seafood.
The Lobster Shack in North Berwick
One of the venues featured is The Lobster Shack, located in the historic harbour of North Berwick, East Lothian. This popular spot offers dishes such as seafood chowder, fish and chips, hot smoked salmon flatbread, and daily specials. Its outdoor seating area has recently been upgraded, and the shack uses eco-friendly, biodegradable packaging. VisitScotland praised its fresh, high-quality fish and environmentally friendly practices, singling out its fish tacos, chowder, and grilled North Berwick lobster as must-tries.
According to VisitScotland: "The seafood is brought directly from the boats in the harbour, ensuring the finest quality and freshness. All their delicious food is served in eco-friendly, biodegradable packaging, and they have a fully covered and heated outdoor dining area, so you can enjoy your meal whatever the weather. Alternatively, order your food to take away and admire the views from one of North Berwick's beaches, with vistas stretching out to the iconic Bass Rock."
Oban Seafood Hut in Oban
Another featured venue is the Oban Seafood Hut, situated on the picturesque pier near the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry terminal in Oban, Argyll and Bute. Renowned for its fresh fish, the hut offers lobster, scallops, crab, mussels, langoustines, prawns, smoked salmon, herring, and more. VisitScotland recommends the prawn sandwich and scallops in hot garlic butter as must-try dishes. The venue is also noted for its scenic waterside views.
VisitScotland stated: "The Oban Seafood Hut is well known as a seafood lover’s paradise, with lobster, scallops and crab all featuring on the menu. Its high-quality seafood is cooked fresh to order, and there’s a fantastic alfresco dining area overlooking Oban Bay, where you can watch the boats bobbing on the water while you enjoy your meal."
The Seafood Shack in Ullapool
A third eatery on the list is The Seafood Shack in Ullapool, Ross and Cromarty. After renovation earlier this year, it upgraded from a small trailer to a permanent building with an expanded seating area. VisitScotland called it a "true gem" and highlighted the Cullen skink with bread and the Ullapool smoked trout salad as must-try dishes. The Seafood Shack was also recently named the Daily Record's Chippy of the Week, praised for its inventive daily-changing menu.
Full List of 10 Best Seafood Shacks
Below is the complete list of 10 of the best seafood shacks in Scotland according to VisitScotland. More information can be found on the VisitScotland website.
- The Lobster Shack, North Berwick
- Oyster Shed Farm Shop, Carbost, Isle of Skye
- The Seafood Shack, Ullapool
- The Oyster Bar, Ellenabeich
- Oban Seafood Hut, Oban
- Skipness Seafood Cabin, Tarbert
- The Creel – Seafood Bar, Isle of Mull
- Fisherman's Pier Fish & Chip Van, Tobermory, Isle of Mull
- The Seafood Bothy, Stonehaven
- Nanny's, Shieldaig
