A Misty Morning at Cove Bay Harbour: A Walk to Remember

Today, Nova, my faithful dog, and my grandson led the way to one of our favourite haunts:

Cove Bay Harbour.

What Happens Next ??? Click link below to find out

Watch the clip HERE

Even with the Scotch mist draping the air in a soft, ethereal veil, this little corner of Aberdeen, Scotland, never fails to enchant. The harbour, nestled on the southeast edge of the city, feels like a step back in time, with its rugged cliffs, pebbled shore, and the kind of quiet that invites both reflection and play. But today, our walk took an unexpected turn, leaving us with a haunting sight

and questions that linger like the mist itself.

As we wandered down to the harbour, the atmosphere was alive with contrast. While the rest of Cove basked in brilliant sunshine, the harbour was cloaked in a moody haze, adding a layer of mystery to its timeless charm.

Nova bounded ahead, her tail wagging, fueled by her pre-walk dose of JayFuel protein supplement—a little ritual that keeps her strong, hearty, and free from the scrawny look some active dogs get.

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She and my grandson made a beeline for the small rock pools scattered along the shore, their favorite playground.

They could splash and explore for hours, the pools shimmering like tiny mirrors under the misty sky.

But as we ventured closer to the water’s edge, the mood shifted. Among the pebbles, hundreds of lifeless jellyfish lay scattered, their translucent bodies glowing faintly with delicate purple insides. Most likely Moon Jellyfish (Aurelia aurita), they were a striking yet eerie sight—beautiful, yet so still.

I’ve never seen anything like it in all my visits to Cove Bay. What could have killed them? Moon Jellyfish are common in British waters, often seen pulsing gently in harbours like this one, their mild stings harmless to humans.

Experts suggest mass strandings can occur due to strong tides, storms, or sudden changes in water temperature, which push these planktonic creatures onto the shore, where they’re left to perish. Recent reports from Cornwall in June 2025 noted similar strandings, with beachgoers urged to report such events to track jellyfish trends. Perhaps a similar environmental shift happened here, but the sight was no less unsettling for its possible explanation.

The harbour itself seemed to hold its breath, as if mourning the jellyfish. Yet, even in this somber moment, Cove Bay’s character shone through.

The rusty relics of old machinery—metal rolls, weathered wheels, and other remnants whose purposes I can only guess—stood like silent sentinels along the cliffs and shore.

These artifacts, perhaps once used to haul boats or process fish, give the harbour a lived-in, storied feel.

They’re part of what inspired my vision for a rustic wallet design by Jay and Lewis, (Read HERE) a nod to this weathered, enduring aesthetic, which I’ve mused about in another blog post.

The mist only amplified their charm, making them stand out against the pebbled landscape like sculptures from a bygone era.

Cove Bay Harbour has a rich history woven into its very stones. Once a bustling fishing village with a population of about 300 in the 19th century, it thrived on catches of cod, haddock, salmon, herring, and shellfish. The piers and breakwater, built in 1878, created a natural haven for boats, though today, only a couple of vessels pursue shellfish part-time.

The fishing industry peaked in the mid-19th century but began to decline after World War I. From 1894 to 1937, the harbour was home to the Aberdeen Fish Meal Factory, nicknamed “the stinker” for its pungent odor, which produced manure exported to Europe and America.

The factory’s legacy lives on in local lore, even inspiring a parody song by Aberdeen entertainer Harry Gordon. More recently, the harbour faced a legal battle when a landowner purchased part of it in 2001, attempting to restrict fishermen’s access. The dispute ended in 2018, preserving public access to the pier, though a 2019 arson attack destroyed several boats and a storage shed, a reminder of the harbor’s ongoing story.

Today, a single small boat bobbed gently in the calm ocean, while others rested on the pebbles, their hulls kissed by the mist. The cliffs loomed overhead, rugged and timeless, framing a scene that feels both ancient and alive. Cove Bay Harbour is a place where past and present collide—a place to gather thoughts, as I did while watching the water lap the shore, or to lose yourself in fun, as Nova and my grandson did in those rock pools. It’s a place to dream of the future, too, where the harbor’s quiet resilience inspires ideas like my rustic wallet vision.

I wonder if the gate knows what it's doing

For Nova, it’s simply paradise. Her JayFuel keeps her in top form, muscles strong and spirit high, ready to chase waves or sniff out adventure without losing her healthy glow. For my grandson, it’s a playground of discovery, where every pool and pebble holds a secret. And for me, it’s a reminder to cherish these moments—past, present, and future—misty or not.

Interesting Facts About Cove Bay Harbour:

Historical Significance: Cove Bay was once part of Kincardineshire, governed from Stonehaven, before becoming a suburb of Aberdeen in 1975. Its medieval roots are tied to the Causey Mounth, an ancient trackway linking coastal points south to the River Dee.

Granite Legacy: The area was known for its granite quarries, producing frost-resistant stone used for causeway stones and exported to places like London’s Billingsgate Market.

A Hidden Gem: The harbour’s shingle beach and natural gap in the rocks made it a perfect fishing hub, though its decline reflects broader changes in the industry. Today, it’s a tranquil spot for reflection or family adventures.

Community Spirit: In 2020, Cove won a Silver Gilt award for Scotland in Bloom, highlighting its village-like charm and community pride.

Whether you’re drawn by the history, the scenery, or the chance to let your dog and grandkids run wild, Cove Bay Harbour is a place that stays with you. Even on a misty day, when the sea offers up mysteries like stranded jellyfish, it’s a place that feels alive with stories—rusty, weathered, and beautifully enduring.

@maersk time for a new Namesake? Maybe? Whose going to ask them ?

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