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PICTURES: Ullapool Christmas creel tree delights visitors as Wester Ross village gets into festive spirit


By Iona M.J. MacDonald

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@ionamjmacdonald Ullapool’s iconic Christmas Creel Tree In the Highland fishing village of Ullapool, the annual Christmas lights switch-on brings the whole community together. #fyp #ullapool #nc500 #scottishhighlands #creeltree #chrsitmaslights ♬ original sound - Iona M.J. MacDonald

HUNDREDS gathered for Ullapool's annual Christmas lights switch–on – with a nine-metre tree made out of fishing creels the star attraction.

There was a buzz about the port as locals came out in force to welcome the display, a now traditional start of the countdown to Christmas.

Many businesses took the opportunity to throw open their doors late and add to the festive vivbe.

The display previously caught the eye of Harry Potter creator J K Rowling who tweeted her approval. This year's effort, meanwhile, is set to be featured next week in the BBC Scotland Landward programme.

The episode featuring Ullapool is set to air on December 8 and sees presenter Rosie helping the community build the creel tree.

The event is organised by the voluntary organisation Ullapool Fire and Light fund.

The Ullapool Christmas Creel Tree. Pictures: Iona MacDonald.
The Ullapool Christmas Creel Tree. Pictures: Iona MacDonald.

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.

Fairy lights on Ullapool fishing boats.
Fairy lights on Ullapool fishing boats.
Hollywood-style Ullapool sign.
Hollywood-style Ullapool sign.
Mini creel tree.
Mini creel tree.
Christmas tree outsdie the harbour building.
Christmas tree outsdie the harbour building.

Many local buisinesses celebrated the vent by staying open late, to encourage shopping local this Christmas. There was also a market at the Ullapool Village Hall, with stalls from charities and small buisinesses from across the Highlands.

Ullapool Christmas market.
Ullapool Christmas market.
Ullapool Christmas market.
Ullapool Christmas market.

Do you have a community event or picture from Ross-shire to share? Email hector.mackenzie@hnmedia.co.uk


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