Ullapool, Scotland
The Liveliest Town in the Highlands
Apr 30, 2009 Cheney Anne Markun
Located on the north west coast of Scotland, Ullapool is one of the biggest towns in the Highlands and a perfect base from which to explore the United Kingdom’s last remaining wilderness.
Ullapool on Loch Broom
Ullapool was founded in the 1780’s as a herring port and fishing village. Its location on the east shore of Loch Broom with easy access to the sea made its harbour the perfect place for fishing and, as its population grew, the ideal point for ferries to and from the islands of the Outer Hebrides. As people started to travel more for their holidays, Ullapool soon became a favourite for visitors to Scotland and it now has a thriving tourism industry.
Loopallu Music Festival and Highland Events
Ullapool today is a thriving town with around 1300 permanent residents and a lively arts and music scene which hosts regular exhibitions, plays and concerts throughout the year . Every May sees the return of the Ullapool Book Festival featuring writers in both English and Gaelic. September welcomes the Loopallu Music Festival which plays hosts to bands both big and small, from local talent to internationally famous groups like Franz Ferdinand, who played in 2007. The Ullapool Guitar Festival happens every October and attracts a wealth of talent from far and wide.
Hotels and Bed and Breakfasts in Ullapool, Scotland
The town caters to almost any taste and budget with its range of accommodations. Possibly the most popular way to stay here is in one of the many Bed & Breakfast’s (or B&B’s as they’re known) which provide good value rooms with a hearty Scottish breakfast. B&B’s can range from ones with four poster beds and en suite bathrooms to those with shared facilities and more basic rooms but all are generally of a good standard and offer value for money. Ullapool also boasts several hotels, including the Caledonian Hotel which is Ullapool’s oldest. Camping is also popular here and there are a multitude of campsites both in the town and on the outskirts.
Haggis, Neaps and Tatties with Whiskey
There are lots of pubs and restaurants’ in Ullapool which serve traditional Scottish food as well as more standard fare for the not so adventurous. Scotland’s most famous dish of haggis, neaps and tatties is widely served - haggis is a sheep’s heart, lungs and liver mixed with onions, spices, oatmeal and salt and, traditionally, boiled inside a sheep’s stomach (although sometimes these days a standard sausage type casing is used instead) served with mashed turnips and potatoes. Seafood is also a speciality here thanks to the local fishing fleet. The Highlands boast some of the best single malt whiskeys in the world and you can find a good selection of them in most bars.
Scenic Drives and Walking Around Ullapool
The area around Ullapool offers spectacular scenery and some of the best walking in the country. Drive for 90 minutes to see the spectacular white sandy beaches of Durness, or the strange moonscape scenery of Loch Eriboll.
Travelling to Ullapool, Scotland
A car is essential for travelling to Ullapool and can be hired at any Scottish airport. International flights arrive regularly at Edinburgh and Glasgow, which are both just over a 4 hour drive from Ullapool. Alternatively you can fly to London and catch a connection to one of Scotland’s airports.
Ullapool town
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ruin outside Ullapool
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