The Coastal Strip

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Our community, history, scenery, and experiences combine to form a typical example of a small fishing village on the South East Coast of Aberdeenshire and is just as it was in the past when it was a working fishing community.

Those who live here feel so very lucky and often say it’s like being on holiday every day of the year.

We would like to share our experience of living in a hidden and lesser known part of Scotland. We have adapted from the busy Herring Fishing days and yet when one visits you cannot help but feel the way life was. Only by walking the tiny roads trodden by fishermen, Jute factory workers and sailcloth makers and almost hearing the echoes of the children playing in the harbour, can you begin to appreciate the hard and simple lives of those in the past.

If you wish to stay here on the Coastal Mearns, there are numerous accommodations in the area including cottages, apartments, small hotels and caravans.

 If you have your own campervan or caravan then there are several parks including Waird’s Park in Johnshaven that provide berths.

Many of the old buildings remain even though most have been modernised or joined together to form comfortable homes. The Old Smoke House, The Mission, The Poor House, The Old School House to name but a few. Many of the previous shops have also been adapted to residences.

Discover Johnshaven and the A92

Enjoy the views from the terraces of houses and enjoy the sea as its moods change. Walk to Waird’s Park along the front and play a round of putting or bowls and there is a play park for the children.

Have a snack at The Hidden Treasure Tearoom, or lunch at the award winning Anchor Hotel. If you are wanting to eat at the harbour, grab a sandwich and coffee from Johnshaven Stores and just ‘be’ in the moment.

Call in to see the lobsters at Murray McBay’s Lobster House on The Harbour and maybe take a lobster home… they will tell you how to cook them.

From time to time the Ship Inn has musicians playing if you are lucky enough to be there. The local group Shenanigans often play here and from time to time are joined by other local musicians.

At weekends The Heritage Hub Museum is open and has exhibits of the lives of those who have lived in the village from the 17^th Century to modern times. They have evening get togethers, musical events, art exhibitions, wine tastings, quizzes and various activities throughout the year – anyone can join in. Look at the events list on the front door or look at our events page. (Please note art exhibitions are open 7 days a week 11am – 4pm).

Finally, at the beginning August is the very popular Johnshaven Fish Festival. It is attended by thousands of people and everyone has a fabulous time.