Ullapool Harbour Overview

Welcome to the busy fishing port of Ullapool.  Situated in the sheltered waters of Loch Broom, a natural harbour carved by the glaciers of the last ice age, Ullapool offers good protection from the open waters of the Minch.  The harbour area covers 26 square miles, providing deep water anchorage for large vessel such as cruise liners and drill ships. The modern pier has been upgraded and enlarged several times in its 220 year history and provides ample berthage for many vessels, along with facilities such as shore power, tube ice, linkspan, bunkering and fresh water. 

Ullapool is the mainland port for ferry services to the Isle of Lewis in the Western Isles. Calmac currently operates a twice daily service for passengers and vehicles on the 'm.v.Isle of Lewis' and an overnight service for freight only on the 'm.v. Muirneag'.  A bus service connects with the passenger ferry all buses through Ullapool now have the harbour as a main stopping point.

 The fishing industry has been at the heart of Ullapool since it was founded by the British Fisheries Society in 1788. (See Archive for more information). Many crews have caught on to the advantages of Ullapool's good transport links for getting their catch to market by road and its excellent onshore facilities.  The expansive pier is ideal for net rigging/mending with harbour forklifts and tractor available 24/7 to assist with all aspects of loading and landing.

The leisure sector is a new and exciting venture for the harbour, 8 visitor Trot moorings are available for vessels of up to 15metres LOA, cranage, transport and winter hardstanding facilities can all be arranged, please contact the harbour office for information.  Loch Broom is the ideal place for the water borne visitor with sailing for all levels of expertise available on the doorstep, surrounded by breathtaking scenery and nature.

Cruise is another area that the Ullapool Harbour Trustees are keen to improve upon; the harbour has enjoyed relative success to date with up to 17 vessels and 4500 passengers visiting in any one year.  In 2008 the harbour joined Cruise Europe and the recently formed Cruise Scotland, with a view to raising the Harbour’s profile as a cruise destination by promoting the local attractions available in the area.

Ullapool itself is a dynamic village where Highland culture thrives alongside well run restaurants and shops. Visitors can choose to eat award winning fish and chips, café style food or gourmet meals created from local produce. Many of the pubs offer bar meals and some have live music in the evenings. There are two grocery stores, one a medium sized supermarket and a hardware store which can supply most tools required for onboard maintenance. Ullapool Leisure Centre is the place to go for a swim, sauna or shower and it also has a fully equipped gym, sports hall and tennis courts. Several places offer internet connection including the public library which is housed in the High School on Mill Street and there is a tourist information office in Argyle Street where you can find out about evening entertainment, accommodation and places of interest .