Scottish Fisheries Museum
Harbourside museum in Anstruther telling the story of Scottish fishing, with historic boats, a boatyard, galleries, a café and a shop.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Anstruther was once one of the busiest fishing harbours in Scotland, with more fish caught, processed and traded here than almost anywhere else. By the later 20th century the industry had changed, and a group of local people formed the Scottish Fisheries Museum Trust so that this way of life would not vanish without a trace. A committee started work in 1965, the Trust was set up in 1967, and the museum was formally opened on 4 July 1969 by the documentary maker John Grierson.
The museum occupies historic buildings beside the harbour, which were acquired from the National Trust for Scotland. The site has been extended and altered inside to improve access, but much of its older character has been kept. It is run as an independent charitable trust with the help of volunteers, and its collections are recognised as nationally significant.
The galleries cover the industry at sea and on land, from early fishing methods and the herring boom to steam, war and modern boat design. There are 19 historic vessels, including the Reaper, a restored sailing herring drifter that can still go to sea, and the museum also has models, fishing gear, paintings, textiles and everyday objects from fishing communities. Boatbuilding, a blacksmith's forge, a whaling gallery and a fisherman's cottage are among the displays.
Highlights
- Reaper, a restored Fifie sailing herring drifter, open to visitors in high season
- 19 historic vessels, including boats in the boatyard
- Galleries from early fishing to steam, whaling and modern boat design
- Fisherman's cottage, forge and engine room
- WAVES Café with views over the harbour
Permanent exhibitions
- Galleries of Scotland's fishing heritage – Galleries and a boatyard follow fishing from early methods through the herring boom and steam to modern boats, with models, tools, textiles and paintings.
- The historic vessels and Reaper – The museum looks after 19 historic vessels, including the flagship Reaper, a restored Fifie sailing herring drifter that is open to visitors in high season.
- Founded
- 1969
- Operated by
- Scottish Fisheries Museum Trust Ltd
Admission & discounts
| Adults | £11 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | £8.80Over 60s, disabled visitors and students |
| Children & teens | –No child price is published. |
| Seniors | £8.80Over 60s |
| Visitors with disabilities | £8.80companion free |
| Students & apprentices | £8.80 |
| Groups (9+ people) | £9 per personPer person for groups of at least 9; concession £7, youth £4 (up to age 16, or 18 in secondary education), group leaders £4. |
| School visit (per pupil) | £4Class teacher free; one adult per 5 early-years pupils or per 10 older pupils is free, further adults £4 |
Carers, museum members and members of the ASVA scheme enter free. Museum membership gives unlimited free entry for a year, 10% off in the café and members' events. Pre-booked tickets can be used at any time during opening hours until an hour before closing.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
There is a ramp at the main entrance, where the shop and café are, and the museum is ramped throughout except for the Fisherman's Cottage, which is reached by a stair from the courtyard and can be seen through a viewing window from the Days of Steam gallery. An accessible toilet is by the main entrance, reached through the shop. A visual story with photos can be downloaded, and a sensory backpack for autistic visitors can be borrowed free at reception. Blue Badge holders park free.
Kids & families
- Hands-on stations
- Stroller-friendly
- Baby changing facilities
Baby changing facilities are inside the museum and the café has highchairs. The museum has interactive exhibits, and a sensory backpack can be borrowed.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Bus stops outside the museum (service 95)
Service 95 between Anstruther and St Andrews or Leven stops outside the museum every hour. Service X61 from Edinburgh to St Andrews stops at the Harbour stop on Shore Street, about 325 metres away. The nearest railway stations are Leuchars and Leven.
By car
Parking available
A public pay and display car park directly opposite the entrance has four coach bays and car spaces, including two disabled bays. A second pay and display car park on Shore Street, 150 yards west, has two more disabled bays. Both charge from April to September and are free in winter. There is no charge for Blue Badge holders.
- Accessible parking
The museum is beside the harbour in Anstruther on the Fife coast, 10 miles south of St Andrews, and is a welcome port on the Fife Coastal Path.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Museum shop
The WAVES Café seats about 40 and is open to non-visitors; part of it is accessible and highchairs are available. The museum shop sells nautical gifts and local crafts. The café is open Monday to Saturday 10:00 to 16:00 and Sunday 11:00 to 16:00.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | There are no regular guided tours, but volunteer guides can be arranged for groups of 12 or more booked in advance. Schools can choose a self-led visit or a staff-led workshop. The boatyard is unheated, so warm clothing is advised in winter. |
