Fraserburgh Tigerhill

Aberdeenshire

This sandy beach next to the town of Fraserburgh is a popular location for many water sports, particularly surfing, as well as for walking and family outings. Fraserburgh Bay is approximately 4km long, and is covered by two separate EU bathing water designations. The area closest to the town is known as the Fraserburgh or Fraserburgh Tigerhill bathing water, and the other part of the bay known a Fraserburgh Philorth. There is also a new windsurf centre located at Fraserburgh Esplanade.

History

The name of the town means, literally, 'burgh of Fraser', after the Fraser family that bought the lands of Philorth in 1504 and thereafter brought about major improvement due to investment over the next century. In 1787 Fraserburgh Castle was converted to Kinnaird Head Lighthouse, Scotland's first mainland lighthouse. The town has had a local lifeboat on service since 1806 which was run privately by the local Harbour Board until the first RNLI operated station opened in 1858. This was the first official RNLI station opened in Scotland. The town is twinned with Bressuire, France.

Natural Space

There is a substantial sand dune system behind the beach which includes a salt marsh and reed beds and is a haven for wildlife, including many species of wading birds. Lucky visitors might even spot dolphins or whales in the surf.

Setting

At the north-western end of the beach there are plenty of facilities for visitors including a car park, a children's play area, a seashore centre, toilets, and changing rooms. The beach is accessed down a short flight of steps. There are many more facilities, including eateries, places to stay, and a lighthouse museum in the centre of Fraserburgh, just a few hundred meters north of the beach. Most of the tourist facilities are near the harbour, which is still the largest working shellfish port in Europe. Fraserburgh Golf Club is located behind the sand dunes that back the beach.

Getting There

The Esplanade can be reached via the A90 turning off to the East on Harbour Road. The beach is accessed from the car park at the bay and is adjacent to the caravan park. Fraserburgh Esplanade is located at the North end of the Formatine and Buchan Way Cycle Route. Stagecoach Bluebird run Bus Services X67/X68 from Aberdeen to Fraserburgh Mon - Sat and on a Sunday Service number 68.

Water Quality Information

This beach is a designated bathing water site. Further information about water quality at this site can be found on the SEPA website. Please observe local signage and only swim where it is safe to do so.