Commercial activity at Loch Kishorn began in the 1970s when the North Sea oil industry recognised the value of its combination of a wide sheltered anchorage and deep water access to the open sea.

At that time demand for production platforms to exploit the new fields was at its height, and the Howard Doris consortium chose to build the massive concrete structure known as the Ninian Central platform at Loch Kishorn. The huge dry dock lying at the centre of the industrial site was blasted out to accommodate it, and the spoil was used to reclaim the flat working areas to either side.

Other smaller orders followed, including one for components for the Skye Bridge, but the dry dock ceased to function in 1991.

Quarrying activities commenced after the site was cleared, when RJ MacLeod extracted 20,000 tonnes of rock required to form new sea defences at Shieldaig. Leiths are now exploiting other mineral resources for use in anti skid road surfaces across the UK.

The remaining loch side facilities have in the past been used by the local fish farms. One of these is based close by on shore, where young salmon are reared in fresh water before being transferred to the sea.

There is now more general coastal traffic from the terminal established by Ferguson Transport. Other businesses have also benefited, and it is expected that this aspect will grow in importance in future as pressure on the road network increases.

Kishorn dry dock and environs. Areas are available for lease. Please contact the Trust Administrator for details.