My husband and I have walked around the edge of this harbour many times, especially during the last year. There are many information boards beside the harbour wall at different points along the way describing the local history, which is fascinating.
The harbour was built by Robert Cunninghame mainly for the export of coal, from his estate in nearby Stevenston, to Ireland. The project was started in 1686 but, owing to dreadful storms, it wasn't until 1700 when the work was completed. At that time Saltcoats was the principal coal port on the Clyde. The harbour was also used for the salt industry.
Saltcoats Borough Council began necessary renovation work in 1912 and also built a fake Martello Tower. These days there is very shallow water in the harbour and it is seldom used.
Apart from walking, the area is good for bird watching and you can look out for Glaucous and Iceland Gulls,
sandpipers, knots, divers and Eiders.
Something I particularly like is the way different coloured rocks have been placed among the sea defences; for instance, black rocks to symbolise coal and white rocks which represent salt. read more