Ullapool bonanza: Iconic Waverley paddle steamer, classic motorcycle show, live music and skiff regatta coming right up!
INVESTMENT in an ambitious Ullapool shorefront development is bearing fruit with the village enjoying a bonanza of activity this month.
On top of eight scheduled cruises visiting during the month, the arrival this week of a Dutch tall ship and the return of world famous paddle steamer, Waverley, locals have a hugely popular skiff regatta to look forward to.
Away from the water, Saturday 17th will see an inaugural Custom and Classic Motorcycle Show, with a display of over 50 bikes on Ullapool’s promenade.
Harbourmaster at Ullapool Harbour Trust, Kevin Peach, said: “We are delighted that the harbour is able to support such a variety of events and this was very much in our minds when we were working on the development of Shore Street, the creation of a promenade and the improvement of facilities for our leisure visitors.
“Ullapool is a thriving spot and our continued investment in local infrastructure is really starting to bear fruit.
“We are delighted to welcome all our visitors to enjoy any one of the great harbour-side events which will take place over the month of May – there really is something for everyone.”
For anyone seeking a genuinely authentic sea-faring adventure, Waverley, the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer, returns on May 22.
The timetable - published on https://waverleyexcursions.co.uk/ - offers return day trips from Inverness, Fort William and Gairloch together with a short taster trip out of Ullapool Harbour and the mouth of Loch Broom.
Waverley is celebrating the 50th anniversary of her first sailing in preservation.
That is preceded by the custom motorcycle show promising live music on the prom and in the Seaforth and a variety of activities aimed at making it a great day out for bike enthusiasts.
All raffle and concert proceeds will go to charity.
Organised by Malcs and Donna of the Bike Repair Centre in Muir of Ord, alongside Calum Macrae of the Federals Band, the show was born from their deep love for custom bikes and their desire to give something back to the biking community.
This is the first time a custom bike show of this kind has been held in Ullapool, thanks to the support of Ullapool Harbour Trust and a team of passionate volunteers.
A charity dance will be held at night, and all proceeds will go to the Dolphin Trust, supporting essential work in the local area.
A spokesperson said: “This show is more than just bikes—it’s a gathering of people who care, who build, who ride, and who want to share that joy with others. It’s open to everyone, whether you’re a seasoned rider or someone who just loves a good day out.”
And then On Monday, May 26, the Black Isle branch of charitable choir, the People’s Show Choir, will visit. 104 choir members and a small orchestra will perform twice on Shore Quay and at the Ferry Terminal.
Ullapool Coastal Rowing Club hosts its annual skiff regatta from May 23-26. It’s so popular there’s a waiting list of participants. Full racing schedules are published on its Facebook page.
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