Welcome to Ullapool
Fàilte! Welcome to Ullapool, a village named after Norse settlers who recognised the safe haven offered by the harbour. Our sheltered bay was formed by “raised beaches” a geological feature resulting from the last Ice Age that saw sea levels fall and the land lift. Nearby stone hut circles and Pictish forts testify to populations who have lived here for millennia.
“Modern” Ullapool was established in 1788 by the British Fisheries Society due to an abundant herring fishery. Herring (known as “silver Darlings”) and mackerel have played an important role in the village economy and prawn, crab and whitefish boats still land daily at the harbour. The village was designed by Thomas Telford who engineered the Caledonian Canal and some of his original buildings still stand around the harbour and streets.
A SHORT TOUR OF THE VILLAGE
Walk up the hill from the harbour to the Fowler Memorial Clock, a gift from local resident Sir John Fowler, designer of the Forth Rail Bridge. Turn left down West Argyle Street where you will find a Telford Church – now the Ullapool Museum. At the end of the road, turn right onto West Terrace and look out to the Summer Isles, twenty six islands formerly used for summer grazing by crofters (small scale farmers) who lived on the mainland. Watch out for feeding porpoise and dolphin which come in to hunt salmon on their route to Ullapool River. At the end of West Terrace, follow the path down to Ullapool River where you can follow a choice of pretty pathways. Return up the steps to Quay Street to take you back to the Harbour. For the energetic, a walk up Ullapool Hill affords magnificent views of the local landscape. Take some time to visit our local museum and look out for An Talla Solais (Arts & Crafts Centre), Highland Stoneware Pottery and an array of local book and gift shops, cafes and bars – all of which offer local produce. Leave time for a malt whisky to finish off your visit!
However you choose to pass your time, we hope you enjoy your visit to Ullapool
