Ullapool pierces cold winter darkness with heart-warming festive lights display

After what has been a difficult year for most, a group of volunteers from the Wester Ross village of Ullapool has once again managed to create some seasonal cheer with its now infamous annual winter lights display.

Referencing the maritime history of the village, boat sails are lit in vibrant colours; Shore Street has festoon lights its entire length; wall trees shine above the local shops and the now famous creel tree stands tall against the dark loch and hills beyond. Last year 450 of our creels were generously sponsored and this year a plaque has been unveiled at the creel tree bearing all the names of those who supported us.

Mini creel trees are also lit up around the village including outside the local Nursing Home, and the bare branches of the trees along Market Street are bathed in green floodlights. It’s been a delightful surprise this year to see that Ullapool residents have put small creel trees outside their houses too.

This wouldn’t happen without a real community effort from the people of the village, the Fire & Light Team and helpers, Ullapool Harbour Trust, St Martin’s Masonic Lodge and Lochbroom Sailing Club.

A spokesperson from the group, Angela Ford, said: "Although we weren’t able to have our usual events, our focus is on providing some ‘light’ for the people that live here, and we also welcome visitors travelling within current restrictions."

The lights will be on until the end of the first week in January and details of businesses open can be found on the website www.ullapool.com

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