Woodhaven

Woodhaven lies on the north shore of the Firth of Tay in Fife, where the river widens into a broad estuary. Once a separate village between Newport-on-Tay and Wormit, it is now chiefly remembered for its small harbour and short pier. The shoreline is lined with the remains of earlier industries and wartime activity. A single commemorative stone marks the spot where Norwegian airmen served during the Second World War. Nearby, the old boathouse has been converted into a bed and breakfast. During the war the Royal Norwegian Air Force operated four Catalina flying boats from Woodhaven. Flight A of No. 333 Squadron flew patrols over the North Sea while based here. King Haakon VII of Norway visited the unit twice in 1944 and a small grove of laburnum trees was planted to mark each visit. Before the war a retired battleship, HMS Mars, lay anchored off Woodhaven as a training ship for boys. The Norwegian crews shared quarters at nearby RAF Leuchars with their comrades in Flight B. Visitors walk the short pier and read the inscribed stone beside the harbour. The laburnum trees still flower each spring beside the water. The Old Boathouse stands next to the pier, its white walls contrasting with the grey stones of the shore. Across the water the hills of Angus rise on the southern horizon. The wide estuary offers views of Newport-on-Tay’s spire and the railway bridge to Wormit. The place feels quiet, yet its wartime story is still visible in the stones and trees.