Avoch on the Moray Firth: Fishing Village and Heritage

Avoch looks out over Avoch Bay and the Moray Firth. The village is associated with its fishing history and the narrow streets of The Dock, as well as the remains of walls on Ormond Hill, Ormond Castle and evidence of church history. This provides a clear focus for planning your visit: you can explore Avoch through various traces of its past, from the old fishing village to its streets and buildings.

Fishing History and Harbour

Avoch’s origins as a fishing village date back to the end of the 16th century. Herring fishing was an important winter fishery; the herring was called “kessacks” or Kessock herring. This name and the season give the fishing history a concrete connection: the catch shaped Avoch particularly in winter.

The Avoch Harbour Trust was established in 1903. The new harbour was completed in 1906. The two dates mark different stages in the harbour’s history. Together with the older fishing tradition, they provide a timeframe for the village’s development without reducing its history to a single event.

The Dock and the “streeties”

The Dock includes some of Avoch’s oldest fishermen’s houses. Because its streets are very narrow, this part of the village is best explored on foot. The narrow streets make a walk an opportunity to focus on the houses and the layout of the lanes, rather than viewing The Dock merely as a single point in the village’s history.

East of The Dock are small, parallel streets known as “the streeties”. They bear the family names of the Mackenzie lairds of Avoch. The Dock and the “streeties” thus tell the story of the village in different ways: here, the old fishermen’s houses and narrow streets take centre stage; there, the parallel lanes and their connection to the Mackenzie lairds.

Ormond Hill, Castle and Parish Church

Remains of walls forming three courtyards can be seen at different levels of Ormond Hill. The terraced layout and number of courtyards are the key points of reference when exploring the remains. Ormond Castle, also known as Avoch Castle, was the seat of the Anglo-Norman de Moray family, also known as de Moravia. The castle is a scheduled monument.

Avoch Parish Church also preserves evidence of earlier use. Its aumbry is a cupboard in which communion wine was once kept for the sick. It may have come from the Lady Chapel of Ormond Castle; this origin is considered possible. Sir Alexander Mackenzie and his family, as well as the Fletcher Rosehaugh family vault, are buried in Avoch churchyard. Thus, church use, the possible origin of an object and the burials of several families are different historical themes found side by side in the same place.

Walks and Seasonal Departures

For a walk, consider the old railway path from Avoch to Fortrose. It can be accessed from the car park at the Church of Scotland. Local access arrangements may change, so check them before your visit. The path offers a different way to spend time outdoors from exploring the narrow streets of The Dock on foot.

In the 2026 season, Avoch Dolphin Trips offered daily departures from Avoch Harbour from April to the end of September. Trips were dependent on demand, weather and tides. This information refers to the 2026 season. If you are planning a later trip, check the operator’s applicable seasonal dates. This makes it possible to distinguish the seasonal boat trip from the village stories told year-round and the walk along the old railway path.

Planning Your Visit

Avoch is served by a regular bus service. As transport services can change, it is advisable to check the timetable before travelling. There are different areas to focus on when exploring the village: The Dock and the “streeties” reveal its street and fishing history, while Ormond Hill, Castle and Parish Church offer further historical evidence. Those particularly interested in the history of fishing can learn about both the winter herring tradition and the history of the harbour.

Discover more destinations: Dingwall, Latheron, Tain, Brora, Munlochy, Kentallen, Whitefield, Rosemarkie.

For the overview of the wider region: Highland.