Scottish Highlands Towns and Villages

Ullapool holiday accommodation cottages, cabins, caravans and hotels.

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Last Updated on Saturday, 05 May 2012 17:33

Ullapool
Over 400 years ago, Loch Broom, one of the sea lochs of the northwest stretching into the mainland of Scotland, was famous for its herring. But the fishing fleet was not local. Rather it was the Dutch who reaped the benefit of the 'silver darlings'.
Their success did not escape the attention of the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, whose members, in 1587, passed an Act which penalized the Dutch when fishing there. Early in the 18th century, the Government called for' a report on the 'commercial exploitation of the herring, and from this the British Fishery Society was formed.

The Society lost no time in creating a fishing station at what is now Ullapool. Since 1788, when the pier, an inn and storehouses were erected, Ullapool has enjoyed a fluctuating prosperity which has been enhanced in recent years with the appearance of 'Klondyker' ships. These are factory ships mainly from eastern Europe, but also from as far away as Egypt and Taiwan, which buy huge quantities of mackerel from local and north-east fishing boats for freezing and processing.
The economic spin-off from these ships, coupled with its role as a popular tourist base, and as the ferry terminal for the Minch crossing to Stornoway on Lewis, has provided this West Highland town with a well-to-do atmosphere.
Pride of place is seen in the many small but substantial dwelling houses, whitewashed and prim, many of which date from the early 19h century.