Wester Ross village of Ullapool gears up for annual Christmas lights switch-on with a twist

Ullapool is setting the scene for another Christmas lights switch on, featuring the iconic 'Creel Tree' and promoting local shopping.

The now iconic nine–meter tall Ullapool creel tree, which was first built in 2016, will be lit up on the night, along with other decorations around the village.

The Creel Tree pays homage to Ullapool's rich maritime fishing heritage. It has established itself as a landmark of the Highlands and attracts thousands of visitors to the village every year.

It has inspired similar ventures as far afield as Norwich.

Ullapool's bonfire night and the annual Christmas lights switch–on is organised by voluntary organisation Ullapool Fire and Light Fund.

The lights switch-on will take place at 5:30pm, on December 1, at the Creel Tree on West Shore Street.

Many local businesses will be celebrating the lights by staying open late, and offering a variety of Christmas treats.

Some of the local businesses celebrating the winter lights includes:

• Jojo's cafe will be open with a chocolate theme. Chocolate fountain for hot chocolates, and handmade chocolate boxes

• The Seaforth restaurant will be offering mulled wine and mince pies, with a Haggis pakora special available from the Seaforth chippy.

• The Ceilidh Place restaurant will be launching their Christmas Menu on the night, with mulled wine simmering away too.

• Ullapool Bookshop will be staying open until 8pm for festive late night shopping, all accompanied by wine, soft drinks and local canapés.

• The West Coast Delicatessen, will be serving mulled wine and will be serving melted raclette cheese, over warm potatoes with a side of Scottish pork salami.

• The Captain's Cabin, will be open for late night Christmas shopping until 8pm, with wine and soft drinks to be served whilst you shop.

• Artworks Card and Gift shop will be staying open late, and will be holding a raffle in aid of Ginos's Cantina and Never Too Young (bowel cancer) charities on the evening.

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