Port of Aberdeen's historic North Pier has reopened to the public for the 2026 season and visitors will be greeted by a familiar marine mammal.
Thousands of people walked the pier last year for the first time in decades following The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025. Now visitors can grab a selfie with a dolphin sculpture donated to Port of Aberdeen by Harbour Energy, one of the port's most significant customers.
The sculpture was relocated from Harbour Energy’s office in Kingswells and featured in the Wild Dolphins public art trail, which raised funds for The ARCHIE Foundation and Whale and Dolphin Conservation.
Scott Barr, Managing Director of Harbour Energy’s UK Business Unit and Bob Sanguinetti DL, CEO, Port of Aberdeen pictured with the dolphin sculpture on North Pier
North Pier is open daily from 7.00am to 7.00pm, from 31 March to 30 September. Access is through the gate adjacent to Port of Aberdeen's Marine Operations Centre and next to the SSE substation. Safety is always the priority, and the pier may close at short notice due to weather or operational conditions. Updates are available at portofaberdeen.co.uk/port-information/north-pier.
Bob Sanguinetti DL, CEO, Port of Aberdeen, said: “The response from visitors last year was incredible. Thousands of people walked along one of Aberdeen's most historic structures and enjoyed some of the best views the city has to offer. We are delighted to welcome them back and I’m sure our new arrival from Harbour Energy will be a hit with visitors.”
The entrance to North Pier is through the gate adjacent to Port of Aberdeen's Marine Operations Centre and next to the SSE substation.
Scott Barr, Managing Director of Harbour Energy’s UK Business Unit, said: “It’s good to see Harbour Energy’s dolphin find a new home at the Port of Aberdeen, overlooking an area where live dolphins are so often spotted. It’s fitting that a sculpture from an initiative which captured the imagination of the city can continue to be enjoyed by the public for years to come.”
Originally built by pioneering engineer John Smeaton, it was later extended in 1810–1816 by Thomas Telford and extended again between 1874 and 1877 by William Dyce Cay, Aberdeen Harbour Resident Engineer. Find out more about the history of North Pier here.
Visitors are asked to follow the site safety rules, treat port staff with respect, and be aware that Port of Aberdeen reserves the right to close North Pier at any time.