Pennan - a wee fishing village on the North Sea coast

Perched at the foot of steep cliffs, Pennan is a hamlet that achieved fame when the film 'Local hero' was filmed there.  The famous red telephone box is still there on the quayside along from the harbour.

No more than about thirty houses sit clustered together on one side of the road facing  the sea and pebbly shore.  Most are now brightly painted holiday homes and you're more likely to meet foreign tourists rather than a local fisherman.  The quaint Pennan Inn was once well known for Scottish hospitality and superb meals served in a tiny restaurant but this has now changed hands.

A car is essential for a holiday here as there isn't even a single general store for essentials.   Gardenstown and Fraserburgh are several miles distant for shops, restaurants and more facilities.

Birdwatchers will adore Pennan.  The cliffs of Troup Head are home to Scotland's largest collection of gannets, guillemots, razorbills, puffins and kittiwakes. Pennan also offers opportunities for sea fishing or dolphin watching.  Those with an artistic bent may find inspiration for new masterpieces in the rugged cliffs, sea scenes and colourful houses.  Some very famous people have come here in the past just for the peace and isolation found in this place, and if that's what you're after, or bird and dolphin watching or fishing, then you will be richly rewarded.

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Click here for a list of Scottish self-catering holiday cottages and apartments.