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An Exhibition about Lybster Harbour's History and Natural Heritage

AT “WATERLINES”, LYBSTER HARBOUR ON
SATURDAY, JUNE 25TH 2005

As part of a celebration of the life of the fishing community in Lybster and of Neil Gunn, the well-known Caithness author, Lybster Heritage Trust and Lybster Harbour Society are inviting everyone to come and join in the fun on Saturday, 25th June.

There will be demonstrations of creel and net-making, spinning and rag rug-making; there will be a story-teller and traditional music; there will be stalls, including one where you can buy Cullen Skink and another selling crab.

The old film “The Silver Darlings”, which was partly made at Lybster harbour will be shown at 12 noon and at 3.30 p.m.

From 1.30 p.m. there will be an exhibition of Caithness Coastal Creatures and Crustaceans and games and a quiz for children set by the Caithness Rangers.
There will also be a display of competition entries from the children of Lybster school for a wooden spoon dressed as a “Herring Wifie” and painting, drawing or a collage of a harbour scene.

Refreshments will be available at Waterlines and there will be a barbecue during the day.

Further information can be obtained from Waterlines Visitor Centre 01593 721 520 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The event is supported by the Community Events Fund.

What's In Waterlines - -

Heritage Exhibition

Natural History display

Children's Artwork Area

Traditional Boat Will Soon Be Built Here

Come down to the visitor centre at Lybster Harbour and discover the amazing history of this picturesque port.

There's a unique experience waiting for you at Lybster Harbour.  In a simply delightful setting, the beautifully restored buildings house a visitor centre, an exhibition full of information, hands-on activities, refreshments and facilities which offer something for everyone.

See A Boat Under Construction

Live remote CCTV on bird cliffs - control it yourself.

CCTV

Building Restored

Coffee Shop

Geology, plants and nationally important bird colonies of the area are brought to life in this multi-media exhibition which also takes you on a journey through time and explains how the surrounding land was shaped well before the age of the dinosaurs.  It describes life and death in the great lake of the period - Lake Orcadie - with graphic representation of the formation of fossil fishes.

Opening Times 11.00am - 5.00pm Daily

New Yachtsmen Facilities
New shower and laundry facilities at the Visitor Centre gives you the chance to make a unique stopover in Caithness.  A sheltered harbour for centuries now has modern facilities in this unique fishing harbour. 

Lybster has excellent local hotels for dining ashore.  Small shops can provide groceries and other supplies.

One of the most popular exhibits is the remote camera which can be focused on the breeding bird cliffs -offering superb views of the activities without disturbing the birds at all.

However, its the years of the herring fishing which really put Lybster on the map and projected the village into national limelight as one of the most important fishing stations in Britain.

The number of workers and boats in the harbour during the peak years is almost unimaginable today.  the story is one full of endeavour, hardship and sorrow which reveals the true spirit of the people of Lybster.

There's so much to see and do in the exhibition (including watching a real traditional yawl fishing boat being built in the workshop), that afterwards you'll want to relax with some refreshments, and just absorb the whole atmosphere and ambience of the harbour. If the weather is favourable there's no finer place than the flagstone terrace.  Alternatively there's a display of local children's art to appreciate in the coffee shop.

Telephone 01593 721520
For enquiries and party bookings

Wheelchair access & facilities.

Parking

We hope you enjoy your visit.

Next to Centre

More Pictures of Waterlines