Eastern Scotland

Eastern Scotland surf travel guide

Eastern Scotland represents many firsts (or lasts?) in Scotland. It's the smallest, coldest, narrowest and rarest surf in the country, yet still manages to produce some quality waves when Huey decides to come to the party. Fraserburgh on the Moray Firth is the pick, with far higher consistency on the beaches and some fickle but worthy points and reefs that are prized by the large local crew.

Southeast Scotland is the least consistent area and unlike the northern shores only gets the dregs of big N/NE swells. Like the northeast of England the unlikely saviour are the rare SE swells which can bring a range of slumbering beaches and reefs to life. Dominant winds are cross-offshore from the SW. Water temps on the whole east coast plummet in winter, as the warming influence of the Gulf Stream only brushes the far north coast, so good wetsuits, boots and hoods are essential as it’s generally only surfable in the winter.

Although it faces due north, the Moray Firth coast lays in the swell shadow of Scotland’s north coast. Big N and NE swells do make it in through the autumn and winter and with the SW offshore great conditions can be had. Swells are generally short duration so local knowledge is key. Fraserburgh is the hub of the local scene, home to the Broch Surf Club and a brace of classy reefs.