ULLAPOOL

Ullapool is a picturesque little fishing town on the shores of Loch Broom comprising mainly whitewashed buildings, giving it a strikingly brilliant appearance from afar. The town was designed by Thomas Telford, in collaboration with the British Fisheries Society. Fishing remains an important economic mainstay of the town, although it has had its ups and downs over the years. At one time the loch was used as a base for Russian and East European factory trawlers known as "klondykers", whose crew members used to arrive in the town in August each year for a stay lasting several months.

Ullapool makes a good base for touring the area, with a range of shops, pubs and accommodation options. The Ullapool Museum and Visitor Centre has displays on the history of the town and surrounding area, known as Wester Ross, as well as research facilities. For those wanting to venture away from the mainland, Ullapool is the main departure point for the ferry to Stornoway, capital of the Isle of Lewis. For shorter boat trips, the Summer Queen offers cruises to Loch Broom and the Summer Isles.

Map of the area.

Ullapool sun. Photo by Paul Hart,via Wikimedia Commons.