Invergordon strongman Tom Stoltman set to muscle in on Ullapool's big entrance sign reveal as Wester Ross village sets the scene for eagerly anticipated unveiling
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A BUSTLING Wester Ross port will this weekend unveil eagerly anticipated village entrance signs which are set to make a big impression on visitors.
The vision for Ullapool's entrance points has been several years in the making and features a two-metre high 'herring ball' which reflects the village's rich maritime heritage.
Hot on the heels of a second World's Strongest Man title, Invergordon's Tom Stoltman will be making the cross-county trip on Saturday to cut the ribbon at the big reveal.
Local group Welcome Ullapool, which promotes the village as a holiday destination on the NC500 and the ferry to Stornoway route said it was delighted Mr Stoltman had agreed to do the honours at Braes layby.
RELATED: Blooming marvellous effort to welcome Ullapool visitors hailed
Go-ahead for gateway feature in Ullapool
He will be led by Ullapool Pipe Band and accompanied by designer Jason Paterson and Welcome Ullapool's chairman, Diane Rusling.
Tom and his brother Luke have been honoured with a special 'Welcome to Invergordon' sign bearing their names in their home town to mark their achievements.
The committee will be giving out bubbles and soft drinks to toast the 2pm opening.
Ms Rusling said: "This has been our latest project and biggest to date. Ullapool was founded in 1788 by the British Fisheries Society as a new fishing port for herring, known as the ‘silver darlings’. We thought it would be a lovely welcome to all approaching the village, to be greeted by a sculpture depicting the village heritage. We have installed a sculpture at both the south and north entrances."
Jason Paterson of J.P. Fabrication and Design Glasgow worked with Andy Scott who created the amazing Kelpies in Falkirk. His sculpture has approximately 40 individual fish attached to three metal waves.
The sculpture is on a metre-high stone structure with the word ‘Ullapool’ in metal letters on the stone. There will be lights shining upwards through the fish and on the village name. The majority of the money was raised through Welcome Ullapool.
Ms Rusling said: "Jason has interpreted our brief and delivered a magnificent sculpture, we’re very proud of it and think it’s amazing! It’s been a long project delayed by the pandemic but we are very pleased to complete and open."
