33 arrivals for the period
Whitefish totalled 5,300 boxes from four Scottish trawl and six Anglo long-line landings. The Scottish lads have finished fishing west; some have fallen foul of fishing regulations and now find themselves prohibited from fishing west of the 4 degree line for the remainder of 2022. A small number of Anglo vessels continue to fish grounds west of the Butt of Lewis landing hake, ling and monkfish for onward consignment to Spanish markets.
The shellfish sector was fairly quiet; there were only four landings from visiting prawn trawlers combined with the efforts of the resident fleet.
Non-fishing activity was busy and varied totalling sixteen arrivals. Aquaculture vessels continue to use Ullapool as their base for crew changes and fuel which is very welcome new business. The Calmac ferry MV Hebrides spent a few days alongside under repair. There’s still no confirmation about what is happening over the winter but it seems likely that MV Hebrides will run a daily return service from Lochmaddy to Ullapool whilst the Uig harbour works are completed. The Shetland registered Altaire returned from a three-week mackerel egg survey to drop off scientists and fishing gear, two tugs arrived from Loch Ewe for stores, the Border Force launch Seeker called in for a layover, tall ship Blue Clipper called in to collect guests, the MCA tug Ievoli Black arrived for a crew change and the scheduled cruise ships Sirena and Star Legend made successful day visits despite the mixed weather.
Shore Street Project Update
I’m delighted to report that the paperwork debate which has dragged on for many months was finally completed on Monday 15th August. The contractor RJ Mcleod will set up their work camp on the pier in the coming days and work will start in early September. The pre-ordered anchors and moorings for the breakwater pontoons arrived last week and have been offloaded at the harbour’s Mill St depot (see picture). Piling materials, quarry rock and Caithness slab have also been pre-ordered which will allow work to progress apace. When the schedule of activities has been discussed and agreed I will share further information as and when it becomes available. Any questions or concerns please contact the harbour office or email kevin@ullapool-harbour.co.uk