About Cullen Sea School

The Three Harbours Association is a registered charity (SC042834) established in 2011, uniting representatives from Cullen, Portknockie, and Findochty.

Our Charitable Aims

1.1 The advancement of education through public participation in sports and related activities, e.g. all water sports, cycling, walking, etc.

1.2 The advancement of environmental protection and improvement thereof, by increasing public awareness of the environment surrounding the 3 Harbours and environs, including flora and fauna, and by increasing awareness of our unique coastal walks and coastline;

1.3 The advancement of culture and heritage through increased awareness of and greater access to a wide range of activities and events which will be planned to showcase the unique features surrounding our three communities;

1.4 The advancement of education of the young people in the local communities by the provision of talks at local schools relating to local issues including safety.

Three Harbours Association Constitution

Cullen Sea School Access Guide

Cullen Sea School

The association’s first project was the development of Cullen Sea School.  Originally a disused boat store, the Cullen Sea School building underwent renovation with support from the Coastal Communities Fund (CCF) and The Moray European Fisheries Fund (MEFF). The Three Harbours Association strives to leverage community collaboration to enhance the recreational, educational, and tourist potential of the three historical fishing harbours and their surrounding coastline.

Cullen Sea School serves as a hub for various maritime activities such as small boat building, sailing, coastal rowing, sit-on kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and training courses.

Cullen Sea School’s water sports focus in and around Cullen Bay and Cullen Harbour. We follow the rules and regulations of the harbour under Moray Council and the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority.

Harbour Building and Toilets

In 2020, the Three Harbours Association took out a 20 year lease from Moray Council to operate the Harbour Building and toilets by the harbour.  With funding from Highland & Moray FLAG European & Maritime Fisheries Fund Programme, the Scottish Government, and the Beatrice fund, a  comprehensive renovation of the building took place with the redevelopment of the building to provide modern toilet facilities, a catering kiosk and office/meeting room facility.

Cullen Sea School Solar Panels & Battery Storage

In 2023, £18,900 was secured from the Moray Just Transition Participatory Budgeting Fund to install Solar panels/battery storage at the sea school building.

This project is a cost-effective innovation aiding long-term sustainability, contributing to tackling climate change, promoting activities stimulating physical and mental health with camaraderie, for all, including schools, who currently use the CSS facilities. Importantly there will be a continuing cumulative benefit for at least a further 20 years.

The Just TransitionFund is a £500 million ten-year commitment from The Scottish Government that supports projects in the North East and Moray which contribute towards the region’s transition to net zero.

The Fund was announced in recognition of the particular need to diversify the regional economy away from carbon-intensive industries and to capitalise on the opportunities, including jobs and prosperity, that the transition to net zero will bring.

Cullen Sea School Annual Reports

2024/25 Annual Report

2023/24 Annual Report

2022/23 Annual Report & Financial Statements

2021/22 Chairman’s Report and Three Harbours Association Year Ending 31st March 2022 Financial Statement.

Funders

The original development and ongoing operation of Cullen Sea School would not be possible without the generous support from:

Coastal Communities Fund, Moray European Fisheries Fund (FLAG), Awards for All, Mary Salmond Trust, William Grant & Sons Ltd, The Gordon and Ena Baxter Foundation, The Rowing Foundation, Tesco Bags of Help, Money for Moray scheme, Apache North Sea and Brent Bravo.

The Board of Trustees, staff and volunteers of Cullen Sea School wish to acknowledge the funding support in 2016 – 2024 from: SCVO Adapt & Thrive Programme, Highland & Moray Fisheries Local Action Group, The Beatrice Fund, Adam Family Foundation, Scottish CO-OP, Baillie Gifford Funds, Moray Council Community Funds, Coop Local Community Fund, VisitScotland Days Out Incentive Fund, Moray Communities Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund, MERI Fund Strand 2, Tesco Community Grant, Moray Just Transition Participatory Budgeting Fund.

Finally we wish to say a huge thank you to our volunteers, staff, members, customers and local community for all they do to support our work from fundraising events, volunteering, beach cleaning, making tray bakes and providing donations. We simply could not do it without you!