102 arrivals for the period
Whitefish totalled 7,600 boxes from seven Scottish trawl landings. In the main the trawlers have been concentrating on high value squid and monkfish along the shelf edge with a couple heading further west to Rockall in search of haddocks. Ullapool Harbour offers no shelter from south east gales and unfortunately the latest relentless spell drove a few boats to land in Lochinver. The stricken Anglo long-liner Sir Miles towed in by Ievoli Black on the 1st November finally departed for the fishing grounds on the 6th February after a lengthy breakdown.
Shellfish was once again hectic with sixty-four prawn trawl landings combining with the efforts of the resident fleet. The Minch spring prawn fishery usually attracts a fleet of more powerful east coast prawn trawlers so busy times are anticipated for the next while.
Non-fishing was once again predominated by aquaculture and there were twenty-five visits from a variety of vessels for fuel, crew, equipment and landing salmon. In addition the MCA tug Ievoli Black called in for her monthly crew change and FRV Scotia dropped by for equipment and crew.
The West Shore Street boardwalk and resurfacing project was largely completed last week. The area is a favourite for people to watch the arrival and departure of the ferry and other vessels. Offering no disabled access, a narrow pavement, broken kerbs and multiple potholes the area was in dire need of a facelift to make it safer for all to access. With the support of Highland Council the harbour undertook and financed the works which were completed in three weeks. Great to see local folk enjoying the space in beautiful spring sunshine this week.
The harbour was deeply saddened by the news of Roy MacGregor’s passing. Roy spent most of his life on and around the harbour and as a former Trustee and Chairman of the harbour board was instrumental in shaping developments over the decades. Our thoughts are with Roy’s family at this very sad time.