84 arrivals for the period
Whitefish totalled 15,250 boxes from ten Scottish trawl, eleven Anglo long-line and two Anglo freezer netters. The Scottish fleet has largely returned to the east coast and only a handful of vessels remain west fishing either at Rockall for haddocks and monkfish or the shelf edge for groundfish. The Anglo boats made a welcome return with a number of long-liners fishing west of the Butt for hake and ling together with a couple of freezer netters who are fishing in deep water for monkfish.
Shellfish picks away. A few visiting vessels continue to fish the Minches and as ever, combine with the resident fleet of creelers.
Non-fishing was busy and varied. Once again, aqualculture dominated commercial activity and twenty-seven fishfarm support ships called for fuel, stores and landing salmon during the period. The cruise sector was strongly represented with eight scheduled visits in reasonable weather. The superyacht EOS returned for a couple of weeks and spent her time sprucing up; a handful of local youngsters were employed to lend a hand. That apart, tall ships Thalassa and Bessie Ellen called in to drop off passengers, Ievoli Black visited for her monthly crew change, Alba na Mara and Altaire called in to collect scientists, cargo vessel Hav Alda visited for fuel and paddle steamer Waverley made her maiden visit to drop and collect passengers. SS Waverley, the last seagoing paddle steamer in the world, looked truly magnificent coming alongside the pier with her deck full of local passengers taking advantage of the opportunity. The trip was a resounding success with every leg of the voyage full including the 610 hardy souls who departed Ullapool bound for Kyle as the weather worsened. Thankfully, all made it unscathed to Kyle and returned by coach to Ullapool. The harbour is in discussion with Waverley regarding return visits in future years. Many thanks to all who purchased tickets to support the venture.
Lugger Fest 24 took place on the weekend of 10th – 12th May with seventeen lug sail vessels enjoying the sunshine and new pontoon facilities on offer. The hard working volunteer committee of Charlotte, Dan, Tim and Ali really pulled it off with excellent organisation, music, local food and craic to be had over two nights under the marquee on Shore Quay. The winner of best big boat went to Barnabas the 143-year-old pilchard driver from St Ives and the best small boat prize was shared by local boats Fame and Jules. Given the success of the inaugural event the plan is to have a bi-annual Lugger Fest; the next one is planned for May 2026. Well done to all participants, spectators, organisers, musicians, Coigach village hall for lending their marquee and big thanks to Ullapool Harbour Trust who funded the event and to the harbour staff who worked tirelessly to ensure a clean, tidy, safe and happy festival venue.