Dredging

Nairn plans dredging across two spring-tide periods

Published 27 October 2026 Publisher IMWO Region Europe Confidence Confirmed

Nairn Harbour planned dredging around spring tides: two periods of about four to five working days each, with shore access managed between the periods

The Highland Council expects Nairn Harbour dredging to begin on 28 October 2026, using two spring-tide periods with around four to five working days in each. A contractor compound will occupy part of the harbour car park, with heavy plant passing between the car park and beach.

Shore access remains part of the full programme

The council's 22 October announcement places a temporary contractor compound in part of the harbour car park and specifies heavy-plant access between the car park and beach. Temporary signage and barriers will manage public access. The works finish with removal of temporary facilities and reinstatement.

The shore route needs to remain available between tides

Work spread across two tidal periods needs an arrangement for the compound, barriers and plant route during the interval between excavations. The works programme should identify who maintains those areas, when the second work period can begin and when the temporary facilities can be removed.

Evidence conclusion

Sediment reuse needs a matched destination

JBA's November 2023 coastal study recommends testing harbour sediment for potential placement on or near West Beach, where it identified lower dune volumes and assets closer to the shoreline. Any reuse proposal for this campaign would need the sediment assessment matched to the receiving area and authorised work method before it enters the production plan.

Outstanding evidence

Actual mobilisation and the dates allocated to both spring-tide periods
Selected dredging method, sediment destination and operative permissions
Post-work survey, harbour access arrangements and car-park reinstatement

Subject index

Related subjects

These subject pages bring together related projects, technical articles, reports, and evidence methods.

Sources used 3

Nairn Harbour dredging works and temporary parking restrictions The Highland Council, 22 October 2026
Nairn harbour: navigation and berthing guidance The Highland Council, Last modified 29 September 2025
Nairn Dynamic Adaptive Pathways, final S3-P02 JBA Consulting for The Highland Council, 30 November 2023
Sections 3.3-3.4, especially printed pp. 23 and 29: proposed sediment-reuse study and suitability assessment.

Source collections