Lybster, a village perched on the rugged east coast of Caithness in northern Scotland, has a captivating history intertwined with the sea. Let me delve into the maritime tapestry that shaped this coastal gem:

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Origins and Fishing Industry:

• Lybster owes its existence to the fishing industry. In 1790, a wooden pier was erected to serve the fishing boats.
• The village itself was meticulously planned and founded in 1802 by the local landowner, General Patrick Sinclair. His sons continued to nurture its growth.
• By 1859, an impressive 357 boats operated from Lybster Harbour, making it the third busiest fishing port in Scotland—surpassed only by Wick and Fraserburgh.
• Around 1,500 fishermen braved the sea, while others supported the industry on land.

Railway and Decline:

• The Lybster railway station, part of the Wick and Lybster Railway, opened in 1903 but closed in 1944. The rise of road traffic and the decline of herring fishing contributed to its demise.
• The once-thriving white-fish fleet dwindled, leaving the harbour frequented by lobster and crab fishing boats, as well as recreational craft.

Herring Boom and Decline:

• In the 19th century, Lybster played a pivotal role in the herring industry. By 1838, its population stood at 1,312.
• Worshippers had to travel several miles to attend church, prompting efforts to build one within Lybster itself.
• The village’s importance waned before World War I, as the herring industry shifted focus to Wick.

Cultural Significance:

• Lybster  used to host  the “World Championships of Knotty”, a variant of shinty.
• The film “Silver Darlings”, based on Neil Gunn’s book, was filmed here.
• In 2019, Lybster served as a location for shooting scenes in the Netflix drama “The Crown”.

Sinclair Legacy:

• The Sinclairs of Lybster trace their roots back to the Sinclair earls, who once ruled a larger Caithness encompassing parts of Sutherland.
• Further back, their lineage connects to the Norwegian earls who held sway over northern Scotland for centuries.

Lybster Harbour, once bustling with herring boats, now stands as a testament to resilience—a place where history whispers through the waves and rugged cliffs.