Ullapool visit from comedian Bill Bailey on trip to ‘honour memory of late father in-law’
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
COMEDIAN Bill Bailey dropped into the Wester Ross village of Ullapool to “honour the memory” of his late father in-law.
The renowned musician, comedian, actor and TV presenter descended upon Ullapool in early June with three generations of the Bailey family.
Bill praised the local tour boat, Shearwater Cruises, for hosting him and his family on the trip around Loch Broom and the Summer Isles.
The QI comedian was in Ullapool before beginning the Cape Wrath trail.
Bill Bailey said: “Thanks to the excellent crew of the Shearwater Cruise in Ullapool which was a fascinating trip - me Dad joined us so there were three generations of Baileys on the boat .
“Some sore feet and aching limbs - ready for the final push to Cape Wrath . Thanks for all the encouragement — and in answer to your questions, this is not for any TV programme or series, we are doing this for ourselves. Me personally to honour the memory of my late father-in-law, Peter Brunt — a great man who loved hiking and would have loved this trip.
“It’s a challenge no doubt, the most remote toughest hike in Britain — it’s a test of our mettle, it’s hard but it’s rewarding — and any worries, any troublesome thoughts get ironed out by the majestic wildness.
“As the great writer and traveller Patrick Leigh Fermor said, Solvitur ambulando — it is solved by walking.”
From a video he took in Kylesku, Bill went on to say: “This is a spectacularly beautiful place, amazing scenery, and the mountains are just monumental. The whole trip has been a wonderful journey through these huge landscapes. You get a real sense of solitude and tranquillity that you don’t get in modern life.
“Thank you to all the hotels, hostels, B&B’s and campsites… People have been so helpful and hospitable.
Noel Hawkins of Shearwater Cruises said: “Great to have had Bill and his family out on the Shearwater - great passengers. Many thanks Bill, pleasure having you on the boat. Hope you enjoy the rest of your travels.”
