
The West Coast of Scotland is world-renowned for its exceptional seafood, thanks to the crystal-clear waters that produce some of the freshest langoustines, mussels, crabs, and scallops. For seafood lovers, there’s no better place to indulge in delicious, locally caught seafood while soaking in Scotland’s breathtaking coastal scenery.
Why not try and incorporate a tour of Scotland with all its charm and beauty whilst enjoying some of the finest seafood along the way? We at Scottish Tourer are passionate about seafood, and we’ve put together a list of what we think are the best seafood restaurants along our West Coast route - all personally tried and tested by us and enjoyed by our customers.
Below are our top 10 seafood shacks that we believe are worth a visit. We love the fact that the menus change daily to accommodate the local catch – freshly caught fish straight to your plate. The rapport the chefs have with their local fisherman ensures the produce is always fresh and delicious. After all, great foods are the highlight of any holiday, and we’re confident these picks won’t disappoint!
Location: Pitagowan, Blair Atholl, Perth and Kinross Scotland, PH18 5TW
First on our list of the best seafood restaurants in Scotland is House of Bruar Fish and Chip Shop. Only 45 minutes outside of Perth, this resturant can be the perfect stop for your first night depending on how much travelling you want to do. You can get your dinner here and then enjoy a walk up by the falls of Bruar.
The car park is big enough to park your motorhome for hire overnight. In the morning, you can visit the shopping facilities and cafe. They also have the most wonderful delicatessen and butcher counter, which is ideal for stocking up on some treats before you travel to Inverness.
Travel to Inverness where there are plenty of places to visit. Torvean Campsite is conveniently located on the outskirts of Inverness city centre, offering a peaceful setting with views over the golf course. Just a short walk away, you’ll find the Caledonian Canal, where you can hop aboard a Jacobite cruise to explore Loch Ness, and maybe even catch a glimpse of the legendary Loch Ness Monster!
For a fantastic dining experience, The Riverhouse Restaurant is only 1.5 miles from the campsite if you want an easy stroll after a busy day of sightseeing and adventure.
Location: 1 Greig St, Inverness IV3 5PT, United Kingdom
Situated on the banks of the River Ness, River House Restaurant has a friendly and casual atmosphere, serving up freshly cooked seafood in shared platters, which we can say are very delicious.
The Head Chef of River House, Alfie, always say “Keep it simple and let the ingredients do the talking.” What more can we say about Riverhouse Restaurant other than it being one of the best seafood in Scotland? If you want to explore Inverness and the surrounding area, make sure to stop by here.
Make your way to Ullapool by following the A835 from Inverness. This fishing village on the West Coast of Scotland is not only a charming destination but also one of the country’s main ferry ports to the Outer Hebrides.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Ullapool offers plenty of activities. If you're feeling adventurous, try your hand at sea kayaking, explore the stunning landscapes with a hill walk, enjoy a round of golf, or set off on a sea cruise to discover the diverse marine life along the shores of Loch Broom.
Location: 9 W Argyle St, Ullapool IV26 2TY, United Kingdom
The Seafood Shack is a great place to enjoy freshly caught local seafood. This restaurant is owned by two young local ladies who have a wonderful rapport with the local fisherman and enjoy the best of their catch.
The Seafood shack operates in a catering van, allowing the girls to cook up fresh and simply delicious seafood. You can choose from oysters, hand dived scallops, langoustines, lobsters, or crabs - all freshly caught and cooked. You can eat in their al fresco or back in your motorhome if you can wait that long.
Overnight, there is the option to wild camp at The Broomfield Campsite – a lovely, clean, and well-equipped area to spend the night. This area is also great for watching the ferries go back and forth to Stornoway since it’s situated on the shores of Loch Broom and the Summer Isles. If you want to go exploring or need to buy amenities, the Ullapool Centre is only a few minutes walk away from this campsite.
From Ullapool, we’ll make our way to Shieldaig by Loch Torridon. Start by taking the A835 back towards Inverness, then turn onto the A832 towards Gairloch.
Along the way, we recommend stopping at Inverewe Gardens, a stunning botanical garden cared for by the National Trust for Scotland. Here, you can wander through the beautifully maintained gardens and marvel at how exotic plants thrive in such a rugged part of Scotland.
Keep an eye out for Scotland’s Big Five - red squirrels, golden eagles, otters, red deer, and seals - as you explore the area.
By the time you’ve taken in the beauty of Inverewe Gardens, you’ll likely have worked up an appetite. We suggest continuing along the coastal route and stopping at Nanny’s at Shieldaig for a well-earned refreshment break.
Location: Shieldaig, Strathcarron IV54 8XN, United Kingdom
The history of Nanny’s Shieldaig is truly remarkable. What began as a simple corrugated tin shed, providing essential amenities to locals, has since evolved into a charming cafe. Today, it serves light meals, delicious home baking, and most importantly, fresh, locally caught seafood.
Lynn, the owner, sources her seafood straight from Loch Torridon, where her husband, a local fisherman, catches Squat Lobster and Langoustine to make sure you won’t find seafood in Scotland much fresher than this.
From Shieldaig, take the A896 coastal route to Applecross. This scenic single-track road has designated passing places and is usually quiet but be sure to watch for oncoming traffic. Along the way, you’ll be treated to stunning views of high mountain ranges, making it a truly enjoyable drive to Applecross.
For an unforgettable overnight stay, we highly recommend wild camping in Applecross. There are many fantastic spots, easily found via sat nav, or you can opt for the Applecross Campsite for added convenience.
Location: Shore St, Applecross, Strathcarron IV54 8LR, United Kingdom
For a lovely evening meal, head to the Applecross Inn. This award-winning inn is incredibly popular and gets extremely busy during the summer months. While they don’t take reservations, the wait is well worth it. Simply sit back, relax in the beer garden, and soak in the breathtaking views with your favourite tipple in hand.
The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, making it the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring. Situated in a truly spectacular location, you can enjoy stunning views of Raasay and Skye in the distance.
As for the food, it certainly won’t disappoint. Even my children loved their half pint of langoustine! But don’t worry, there’s something for everyone. The extensive menu features a variety of seafood and other freshly prepared dishes, all cooked to order on-site. Best of all, the squat lobster and langoustine are sourced directly from local fishermen.
From Applecross, take the A896 to Kishorn, a route that takes you over the Bealach na Bà, also known as "The Applecross Pass." This winding road climbs to 2,500 feet above sea level and can feel daunting for less experienced motorhome drivers.
However, don’t let that put you off. With care and attention to the road and other users, it is completely safe and passable. The effort is well worth it, as the breathtaking views from the top offer a stunning panorama of the Isle of Raasay and the Black Cuillin Mountain Range of Skye.
Once you reach the bottom of the pass, we highly recommend stopping at the Kishorn Seafood Bar, located at the head of Loch Kishorn.
Location: Kishorn, Strathcarron IV54 8XA, United Kingdom
The Kishorn Seafood Bar offers wonderful views of the Applecross Peninsula and the Cuillin Hills. Located in the village of Kishorn, you can easily identify it with its distinctive blue wooden lodge.
Local fishermen deliver their fresh catch daily there for customers to enjoy fresh seafood in Scotland. Open for breakfast, lunch, and light snacks, the restaurant’s true specialty is fresh seafood - crab, oysters, squat lobster, and langoustine.
After brunch or lunch, take the A890 past Lochcarron until you reach the T-Junction for the Isle of Skye. We advise taking a left turn, which can take you off course for approximately four miles. However, we highly recommend visiting Eileen Donan Castle before you head to the Isle of Skye.
Located at a point where three sea lochs meet, Eileen Donan Castle is one of the most iconic images of Scotland. It was built in the mid-13th century, which means it has a fascinating history, making it one of the most visited tourist attractions in Scotland.
Once on the Isle of Skye, I highly recommend driving to the wild camp spot at Duntulum, where the sunset views are phenomenal. I would sit back and enjoy the view while having my favourite tipple.
On the way to Duntulum, you’ll pass the Old Man of Storr and the Kilt Rock Waterfall. Both landmarks are worth a stop on the way past.
From Duntulum, follow the A855 towards Big, then take the A87 to Slighachan. From there, turn right on to the A863 towards Carbost, where you will find the Oyster Shed Farm Shop. This is a great stop for lunch before you go and visit the Talisker Distillery and the Fairy Pools.
Location: Carbost Beag, Isle of Skye IV47 8SE, United Kingdom
The Oyster Shed is not a restaurant but a farm shop selling oysters harvested from the crystal-clear waters of Loch Harport. It also has an array of other fresh seafood, such as smoked salmon, crab, scallops, and mussels, along with fresh produce like game, cheeses, and chutneys.
Why not stop in and buy something delicious to cook in your campervan for hire that evening?
The Talisker Distillery, set on the shores of Loch Harport at the foot of the Cullins Mountain Range, offers a distillery tour (no under 18s). Not only are the views here breathtaking, but at the end of your tour, you’ll be treated to a wee dram of this full-bodied whisky, known for its smoky, peaty tones.
Just a short 10-minute drive, the Fairy Pools offer a lovely walk or a refreshing swim if you’re brave enough to take a dip. Keep in mind that this spot can get busy in the summer months.
From the Fairy Pools, head to Sligachan, where you’ll find a great wild camp spot just before Sligachan Hotel. You can check it out on your sat nav for the exact location. The spot is located right beneath the Cullin Ridge.
However, if you prefer or need to refresh your facilities, there is a small campsite across the road from the Sligachan Hotel.
From Sligachan, follow the A87 to Armadale to catch the ferry to Mallaig to take you back to the mainland. Mallaig is a fishing village with several boat tours available where you can go out and catch your own dinner or simply sit back and watch the wildlife instead. Minke whales and dolphins are often seen from this spot.
From Mallaig, take the A830 to Fort William. If you need a campsite to replenish water or empty waste, I highly recommend Sunny Croft at Arisaig. The modern facilities and high attention to detail from the owners make it a fantastic stop. You can do everything you need here, including laundry facilities and a wee shop selling local produce. Plus, It’s just a short walk to a beautiful white sandy beach.
From Arisaig, follow the road to Oban so you can visit the Glennfinnan Viaduct, made famous by the Harry Potter films. This popular tourist attraction offers stunning views, and if you’re interested in experiencing the Jacobite Steam Train crossing the iconic bridge, be sure to book tickets many months in advance.
Further along the route, visit the Loch Shiel Visitor Centre, where you can learn about the Jacobite Rising and see the monument of the Lone Highlander in hist kilt standing on an 18-metre-high stone column.
Upon reaching Oban, this fishing village offers an abundance of activities. This is also a ferry port for the Outer Hebrides, Mull, Skye, Tiree, Islay, and Jura. While in Oban, you can visit the distillery, castles, boat tours or enjoy the walking and cycling routes in the area.
Location: Calmac Pier, Oban PA34 4DB, United Kingdom
After a busy day of travelling and exploring, we would recommend stopping at the Oban Seafood hut or known to the locals as the “Green Shack,” located right on the pier.
On a nice day, I can’t think of a better way to enjoy some delicious fresh seafood in Scotland, eatig a plate of Langoustine, than sitting outside at the pier. You can also take your meal back to your motorhome if you enjoy it there.
If you’re looking for another great spot, the Oyster Bar at Ellenabeich is just half an hour outside of Oban.
Location: 10 B844, Oban PA34 4RQ, United Kingdom
Their menu is primarily seafood, but they also offer something for everyone, including light bites, a lunch menu, and homemade bakes. The Oyster Bar is located in the most idyllic spot, which features both indoor and outdoor seating, overlooking the Atlantic with views of the Isle of Mull and Jura.
From Oban, take the A816 towards Lochgilphead, then follow the A83 towards Inveraray. Stop in Inveraray to visit the historic castle, which has stood on the shores of Loch Fyne since the 1400s. The castle offers tours throughout the summer, with the opportunity to explore the gardens and enjoy the refreshments in the tearoom.
Alternatively, you can step back in time at Inveraray Jail, a 19th-century prison where you can experience the life of those who were tried and imprisoned here, including men, women, and even children.
Continuing along the A83, near the top of the loch, you will find the famous Loch Fyne Oyster Bar. If you choose to dine in, they are happy for motorhomes to park overnight in the overspill car park by the loch. However, it’s always best to double check with them first.
Location: Loch Fyne, Clachan, Cairndow, PA26 8BL
The Lock Fyne Oyster Bar specialises in serving locally sourced produce from the loch and its own smokehouse. The chef updates the menu daily, based on what they have in season.
The company started back in the 1970s, selling directly to the public from a nearby lay-by. Now, the company is a world-renowned name for producing some of the finest oysters. So, don’t miss the chance to visit the Loch Fyne Oyster Bar!
From here, take the A82 through the Rest and Be Thankful road towards Crainlarich, then follow the A85 towards Lochearhead. Depending on your schedule, you can take the A84 and make your way to Stirling, where you can visit Stirling Castle and the William Wallace Monument. Stirling is also home to Blair Drummond Safari Park. And if you’re looking for a fantastic campsite, you can pay Witches Craig a visit.
If you’re short on time, simply continue along the A85 back towards Perth.
Although this route has been set out in days, it is only meant as an example of what your seafood trips throughout Scotland look like. It can be easily adapted to suit your own route - you can shorten or correlate it with many go our other routes. You can check more travel ideas on our other suggested routes.
All our campervan rentals are fully equipped with everything you need to prepare delicious, home-cooked seafood meals on the road. If you spot a fisherman bringing in his fresh catch at the harbour, don’t hesitate to ask. Many are always happy to sell fresh langoustines or other seafood directly to you.
I can’t think of anything better than cooking fresh seafood in your motorhome and pairing it with a big bowl of salad, crusty bread, and my favourite bottle of wine.
For more heads and inspiration on motorhome-friendly recipes, you can read our cooking in a motorhome blog. Contact us today for more information on how to create the perfect motorhome adventure for you and your family!
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http://www.scottshtourer.co.ukWe have picked out 10 Munros which are mountains over 3000 ft high which in our opinion are the easiest to climb and navigate for a beginner.