Mallaig

Founded in the mid 19th century, Mallaig is an honest working port, literally at the end of the railway line from Fort William (and London). A once thriving fishing port but now sadly declined (by seven boats in 2012), this is a good place to change crew who can arrive off the train (sleeper from London to Fort William, change for the Mallaig line opened in 1901 and thankfully still open). And it is good for restocking with a fairly large Co-op, fresh fish at Andy Race fish merchants by the garage, and chandlery at Johnston Brothers.

There is even a small and interestingly stocked book shop in a portacabin, places to eat and drink, and there is the community run swimming pool. The harbour scenes in the film Breaking the Waves were filmed here.