Visit-Ullapool.Blogspot.Com

Valuable painting taken from shop

2006-07-23T17:05:00.000Z

A valuable painting has been stolen from an art shop in the Highlands, police have said.

The acrylic oil portrait of the head and shoulders of a woman was taken from Calm Arts in Ullapool.

The theft took place at the premises in West Argyll Street, which deals in portraits and frames, between Wednesday and Friday.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Northern Constabulary on 014637 15555 or Crimestoppers.

Ullapool Hosts Rehearsals for Highland Quest Final

2006-07-07T13:02:00.000Z

Rehearsals are under way in Ullapool for the final of Highland Quest, the competition to find a Scottish musical for the Year of Highland Culture, 2007.

"The Highland Quest was launched eighteen months ago and attracted over 140 entries from all over the world. We are now down to the final five. Over two nights in July the judges will choose the winner at a special showcase featuring highlights from the final five musicals."

Balloons - Writing team: Alison Prince, Jon Hollingworth, David Boni and Heather Gough

Set on Arran sometime in the future as global warming and rising tides threaten the island communities. Political machinations and PR spin have a dramatic effect on the crazy and creative solutions to save the islanders homes and livelihoods.

Marrying Meg -Writer: Mark Robertson

Brief outline of story: A musical comedy based on the faerie tales of the Borders. Set in the early 1600s amongst two warring families who are looked over by the faerie
people.

Shenachie -Writing team: Sally Beamish and Donald Goodbrand Saunders

Brief outline of story: The Shenachie (storyteller) casts a spell on a serene Highland Glen that has lasted throughout history. In the clearances of 1900s and also the present, the story revolves around the inhabitants of the glen, with the Shenachie, always in background, but always present.

The Sundowe -Writing team: John Kielty, James Kielty and Gerry Kielty

Brief outline of story: Set in present day Edinburgh with the city in terror. People begin vanishing and vampires stalk the streets.

Whisky Kisses -Writing team: Euan Martin, Dave Smith and James Bryce

Brief outline of story: The competition between two whisky collectors as they battle to find out who will be awarded the prize - the single last bottle of very rare malt.

Watch the video on BBC News Using the following link

http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/check/nolavconsole/ukfs_news/hi?redirect=st.stm&news=1&bbram=1&bbwm=1&nbram=1&nbwm=1&nol_storyid=5154858

Loch Roag Shellfish Health Warning

2006-07-04T11:20:00.000Z

A health warning has been issued after an increase in toxins was discovered in Loch Roag on the isle of Lewis.

Environmental health officers urged people not to eat any mussels, scallops or cockles from the loch due to a "raised level of algal toxins".

A Comhairle nan Eilean Siar spokesman said: "It is a sensible precaution to avoid eating shellfish from the loch until further notice."

The loch is one of the main shellfish areas on the island.

The council spokesman said: "We will continue to monitor the situation and would hope to give the all-clear in the next few days."

Rescuers attack 'irresponsible' climbers

2006-07-04T11:14:00.000Z

from the scotsman
A PARTY of anglers and another of climbers faced criticism yesterday after triggering separate "needless" major emergencies.

The leader of one of Scotland's busiest mountain rescue teams said the operations, which involved more than 50 people, were caused by irresponsible actions. The companion of a missing climber failed to inform the emergency services that his friend had returned safe and well to their camp. The anglers were reported to have been drinking heavily.

Donald MacRae, the leader of the Dundonnell Mountain Rescue Team in Ross-shire, yesterday said that the two weekend searches had tied up valuable resources and could have potentially put lives at risk.

He claimed the call-outs would have left rescue teams severely stretched had they been needed for a genuine emergency in one of Scotland's most remote areas. Mr MacRae said the members of the Dundonnell rescue team had already been deployed to search for a 64-year-old climber, reported missing on Mam Sodhail in a remote area at the southern end of Glen Affric, when they were alerted about an angler who had gone missing at a loch near Ullapool.

Members of the RAF Kinloss and Torridon mountain rescue teams were called out to respond to the Ullapool emergency. A helicopter was also sent from RAF Lossiemouth.

Mr MacRae said: "The members of the Dundonnell team set off just before 5am on Sunday morning to search for the climber who had been reported missing in Glen Affric. It takes a while to get there and the team were still responding to the emergency when we received the alert about the missing angler and the rescue teams from Kinloss and Torridon had to be called out.

"The chap who was missing had turned back up at the campsite late on Saturday evening but the climbers failed to notify us until we found them. That caused the rescue to continue and endanger our lives as well as protract the rescue."

Mr MacRae said the missing angler had been traced by the Torridon and Kinloss rescue teams, less than a mile and half from where a party of fishermen had been camping.

He added: "There is a suggestion that the group had been drinking heavily and it is believed that may well have been a strong contributory factor in the angler going missing. My understanding is that quite a large of amount of alcohol had been consumed by the party of anglers and it was bit difficult to extract information from them. We had to deal with people who were clearly not coherent in their thinking process."

Mr MacRae branded the actions of the two groups "irresponsible". He added: "I don't mind people enjoying themselves, but they have to be responsible.

"Their actions resulted in more than 50 people being tasked to deal with these two rescues. And if there had been a genuine emergency, late on Sunday morning, it would have had to have been done by 50 tired guys. I would ask people who are out to enjoy themselves outdoors to act responsibly and remember they have to be well-equipped and be prepared for whatever venture they are involved in.

"There could have been a real emergency elsewhere in the hills and we could have been severely stretched. We also had search and rescue dogs and their handlers deployed to both incidents, drawing people in from as far away as Ballater.

"And these were two rescues which, with a bit of responsibility from each party, should never have happened."

A Northern Constabulary spokesman said: "We can confirm one man reported his walking companion missing during a walk on Mam Sodhail. When rescuers arrived both men were located in their tent some distance from where the man had been reported missing. It is understood both men refused to leave the hill."

Rock Ness Event Saved By Garden Path

2006-06-25T18:41:00.000Z

Okay I know this is not directly related to Ullapool, but it caught my attention and thought it again shows the uniqueness of the Scottish Highlands.

Down at Loch Ness almost 25,000 people turned up for the event of the year, with Fatboy Slim headlining and local lad Mylo raving the place up. However disaster nearly stuck. When the crew were setting up Fatboys decks that found there was too much rock and the discs would skip on the turntables.

So the call went out to the local community to find two paving slabs to sort the problem out! Two community council members asked a local man who volunteered to dig up part of his garden path to save the day. The 2 x 2 concrete slabs were quickly transported to the stage and in place to steady the turntables.

And what a night with a giant Nessie bobbing to the music and ending with fireworks, we may well see this event next year extending to two days - here's hoping so!

Downpour delays UK's first solar car park

2006-06-21T20:17:00.000Z

IHS website has released the following statement "Unfortunately due to wet weather conditions , the installation of the Road Energy System has had to be delayed. As of now, we're hoping to start later today - Wednesday 21st & Thursday 22nd. It is important that the first layer is installed in dry conditions.

Henk Verweijmeren, of IHS, said he was hoping for a dry spell later this week so that the pipes and a layer of grit could be stuck down.

On the current weather he said: "It is more like autumn. We've got horizontal rain."

when the system is completed the environmental benefits include cutting CO2 emissions and lowering the amount of salt needed to keep roads ice-free in winter.

In summer, cold water can be pumped through the pipes to cool it and reduce the level of maintenance the road requires

Ullapool company in UK road energy first

2006-06-15T20:14:00.000Z

Ullapool is the first place in the UK to get solar panel roads.

Invisible Heating Systems (IHS) specialise in the manufacture, design and supply of energy-efficient heating is to launch a new system at their head office based in Ullapool next week.

IHS will launch and install the first Road Energy System in the UK, on Wednesday 21st June.

The system takes advantage of the heat-absorption capacity of tarmac to convert roads and driveways into giant solar panels created by energy stored in the ground. Thermal energy is then produced and is used to cool buildings, houses and roads in summer and heat them in winter.

It has huge environmental benefits, cutting CO2 emissions by up to 90 percent, compared to conventional heating systems. It also means saving on the use of salt on icy roads, lowering the environmental impact of salt.

Invisible Heating Systems (IHS) was founded in 1995 by Henk Verweijmeren and Liz Stewart. The company began purchasing underfloor heating systems from Holland and then adapted these to suit the building methods in the UK.

In Holland, where the system has been designed in consultation with IHS, it has been calculated that if an entire road system was converted to road energy, there would be no requirement for further energy for house heating.

Over the years, the company has developed its own brand and now markets and sells these across Europe. From Ullapool the company designs and supplies energy-efficient heating systems including geothermal, solar and wind energy.

IHS has recently moved into a new building at Morefield Industrial Estate, Ullapool. A grant of £125,000 was awarded to the company from HIE Skye and Wester Ross to help with the construction costs. Twenty five people are now employed and the company is going from strength to strength after celebrating ten years of successful business.

The company has recently opened up a new office near Birmingham. Liz Stewart of IHS commented: "We are delighted to be installing the first ever heating system of its kind here in Wester Ross. Even though we have proved that it is possible to set up a business so far north, we feel that a physical presence further south will enhance our company and guarantee our continued success in Wester Ross. We've come a long way and we are confident that we are doing something right."

Robert Muir, chief executive of HIE Skye and Wester Ross said: "It's great that IHS can operate out of Ullapool - creating jobs for so many local people. Liz and Henk's knowledge and expertise ensures that we maximise the potential of renewable energy projects of this kind. I am delighted that they are so strongly committed to their Wester Ross base, and having recently visited their new premises, I am looking forward to working with them on their future plans."

Sizziling Success For Ullapool Butchers

2006-05-17T19:22:00.000Z

I opened my email today to find message from the Chief Executive of the Scottish Federation of Meat Traders Assocs has dropped me a line to announce the Awards our Ullapool Butchers have just picked up!

Food for Thought Speciality Sausages have tasted success winning two awards in the North of Scotland Regional Heat of the Scottish Speciality Sausage Competition held in the Caledonian Stadium, Inverness on Tuesday 16 May 2006.

Food for Thought recipes impressed the judges in the competition that attracted 90 Speciality Sausage entries from all over the North of Scotland. The Competition was part of a “Speciality Sausage Masters” event which was organised by the Scottish Craft Butchers, the promotional arm of the Scottish Federation of Meat Traders. Judges from the meat trade, catering, media and consumer sectors evaluated more than 140 sausages and black puddings.

Food for Thought was successful in picking up a Gold award for Venison Sausage and a Silver for Chicken Sausage.

Duncan MacKenzie, President of organisers, the Scottish Federation of Meat Traders said:-

“We are proud to promote these awards as it gives us the opportunity to highlight the quality and fantastic variety of sausages available from Scottish Craft Butchers. The innovation and creativity never ceases to impress me.

“A continuous focus on product innovation means that at butcher’s like Food for Thought you

will find freshly made sausages, spiced up with innovation that are a real treat. The award winners are truly a credit to the imagination and skill that you come to take for granted at the Scottish craft butcher. These Butchers are discerning meat buyers specially selecting their stock to ensure their customers can shop with confidence and eat with pleasure.”

Congratulations - of course we always knew we had the best butchers in the North!

Two Rewarded for Peat Bog Rescue

2006-05-12T16:51:00.000Z

In January this year Former Royal Navy Officer Robert Noble was out walking his dog in Drumrunie when he became stuck in a peat bog. The 81 year old became trapped up to his armpits with no way of escaping which I can only imagine would be a terrifying experience. His wife raised the alarm when he failed to return home after two hours.

Answering the call was PC Slaughter and Sgt Andersdon. Pc Slaughter comforted Mr Nobles’ wife and Sgt Anderson began searching for him.

Sgt Anderson said ""I drove along the road and stopped in several places and shouted and whistled. I knew he had a dog and hoped I would get a response from it. When I pulled over for the final time I heard a dog barking and I made my way across the hill towards the barking sound and as I got closer I could hear Mr Noble shouting for help. I believed I might not find the man alive prior to this point so it was a real relief to find him up to his oxters in mud.

"I tried to pull him out myself initially as he had a stick and I got him to hold onto it, but there was no way he was moving. It was then I summoned more help."

Mr Noble was oviously distress but also suffering from hypothermia, The Sgt wrapped Mr Noble in his uniform jacket and contacted our mountain rescue team and coastguard for assistance. Once help arrived, the Sgt, an auxiliary coastguard volunteer and a coastguard helicopter winchman got to work to free Mr Noble. The Sgt risked sinking in to the peat bog himself; the rescue took quite some time with each of Mr Nobles legs having to be carefully pulled free.

All in all Mr Noble was in the peat bog for over 5 hours which in those cold conditions shows how lucky he is to have survived.

Both Constable Shelia Slaughter and Sergeant Michael Anderson have been honoured by the
Royal Humane Society for the roles in saving the 81 year old

Sgt Anderson said "I am just glad that we got there in time and were able to help Mr Noble. He was certainly a tough customer and I don't think I could have survived that."

Our congratulations go out to both officers

Greater Attention to Weather

2006-05-11T17:02:00.000Z

This week a report by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency was published as a result of an investigation in to an incident last year where the Muirneag Ferry sailed 60 miles of course.

The ferry left for its normal crossing from Ullapool to Stornoway last November but hit bad weather in the Minch. The ferry master had to sail 60 miles of course to try an escape the conditions on a journey that lasted 16 hours. It was reported at the time that, Vehicles and other cargo in the hold were thrown about; passengers endured quite an ordeal with a member of the crew being airlifted to hospital from an injury.

The report found that the cargo was inadequately lashed for a journey in bad weather. And that the master should pay better attention to the weather forecast as well as following correct procedures in security cargo. The master was aware of the oncoming storm but thought the ferry would have reached Stonoway before the storm hit.

Scottish Blues Rock Legends!

2006-05-03T19:56:00.000Z

Ok Guys and Gals if your going to purchase one album this week or month then make it Howlin Gaels new album "LonelyRoad" and you won't be dissapointed. I have to say The Howlin Gaels are fantastic live and never fail to raise the roof where every they play, if you ever get the chance to go to one of there gigs do it!

They played in The seaforth before so I'm sure many of the locals will already know how talented these guys are, they've been touring and recording for over 20 years now and probably still the most talked about requested band in Caithness. I think there doing a live interview with Lochbroom FM this week and I know there album has been getting plenty of air time. Here's a quick run down of the band

The Gaels" have come to be know as one of Scotland’s most popular blues/rock bands with influences ranging from Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughen to Walter Trout and AC-DC. What really makes "The Gaels" is their unique style, an energetic, raunchy and vibrant spirit that has seen them performing in some of Scotland’s most prominent venues, appearing alongside a host of top name bands including "Dr Feelgood", "The Commitments", "The Sensational Alex Harvey Band" and Zimbabway’s very own "The Bundi Boys".
Members of the band have also made guest appearances as far away as the USA.

The launch of the Gaels CD "Rock the Millennium" earned the band National Radio airplay as well as a television interview with "The Dundee Blues Bonanza", one of Europe’s largest Blues Festivals. The Howlin' Gaels Frontman is the kilted Highlander Donnie "Howlin’ Gael" Williamson, a powerful vocalist and harmonica player with passion in his voice.

Anyway if you jump over to there website www.howlingaels.co.uk you can hear the title track from the new album and one of the tracks from a previous album and if you got a paypal account then you can buy the album there and then, I've already brought it (all the proceeds are going to charity) and its a cracking album that will be in my CD Player for a good while yet!

Ullapool Book Festival

2006-05-03T19:48:00.000Z

I was meant to write in the blog a few days ago, well when I think about it, everyday this last week I have wanted to write but time has not been my friend of late.

If you havn't already heard this weekend will host the Ullapool Book Festival this was very succesful and popular last time round so I'm sure it will be the same this year. If your in the area why not pop along. I hear there will be around 14 authors taking part english and gaelic writers. Quick run down of some of the authors names for you:

Angus Peter Campbell Des Dillion
Margaret Elphinstone Andrew Greig
Mandy Haggith Mairi Hedderwick
John Lister-Kaye Iain Finlay Macleod

Let me know of the ones I've missed. Events are taking place at our Macphail Theatre, The Ceilidh Place Bookshop and The Ceilidh Place Clubhouse, if you do go to an event or the whole weekend festival let us know how it goes, and what or who you enjoyed the most.

Have You Seen The Escaped Wee Hen

2006-04-19T16:32:00.000Z

Unfortunately sometime yesterday a gate at Ullapool's Highland Hospice was left open and a Small white brown chicken has escaped. Beatrice Brinkler has asked the public to keep there eyes open for the wee hen, and emphasises that SHE IS NOT BIG ENOUGH TO EAT

If you have seen the hen or have any information could you please ring the Highland wildlife hospital in Ullapool on 01854 612166

*please note the picture is of a hen not of THE missing hen.

Low Key Protest for First Sunday Ferry

2006-04-10T13:03:00.000Z

If you are visiting Ullapool for a long weekend you will now have more options to pop over to stornaway with ferry's running 7 days a week. Although this could well be an improvement for the tourism industry some locals on both sides of the water are not so enthusiastic about the tradtion of observing the Sabbath of a day of rest being broken once again by a commercial company.

The BBC News Reporter from the Outer Hebrides today mentions that on Saturday night there were rumours flying around of posters against the sunnday ferry being placed around the villages, but despite doing the rounds at 10 in the evening he had no seen this, yet low and behold in the morning the yellow posters were indeed near the port along with bright Yellow "Caution Keep out" tape accross the road at the slipway. But in the end even the heavy snowfall did not cause any disruptions to the sailing.

We have been following the story as it developed which you can see from previous posts on the blog and have received several posts both for and against the new sunday ferry service. The picture to the right is from the protests seen when the first flights were introduced to the Islands and caused a similar reaction. On both occasions the concerns of the churches and some locals have been overruled with the many locals agreeing its only right they have the option to travel 7 days a week. "we may need to visit a sick relative on the mainland" it opens more work oportunites being able to reach the main land on a Sunday" visitors to my guest house won't be put off with having to stay an extra day or cutting short there holiday so choosing to stay on the main land". "Those that belive in the Sabbath can still choice to observer the day of rest but those of us that don't can choose to go about buisness in line with the rest of the country". "It is not just church goes that are against the sunday sailings the Hebridean Sunday is special and people will probably wish they had stomped there feet lounder against this change once they realise how special our Sundays here are." "Its all the same as when the first flights started much more of a fuss was caused then but people got used to it"

CalMac Chairman, Dr Harold Mills said: ‘We fully appreciate the sensitivities of the situation and this has been a difficult decision for the Board. However, CalMac has an obligation to provide lifeline ferry services which meets the economic and social needs of the islands. Following representations from both island communities, we feel that an extended 7 day service is the most appropriate way of fulfilling our responsibilities to the people of Uist and Harris’.

Easter West Fest News

2006-04-10T10:10:00.000Z

I am delighted and proud to announce Nashville rising Star Joy Lynn White and her band, including Nashville song writer and Guitar Legend Walter Egan, who worked for years with Lindsey Buckingham and Fleetwood Mac and wrote "Magnet & Steel" for Steve Nicks and "Hearts On Fire" For Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris, one of the stand out tracks on seminal Cosmic country/rock album Grievous Angel are calling into appear at The Easter West Fest

They make a stop over appearance at The Easter West Fest as a warm up for their Headline appearance at The Caithness Country Festival and to appear live on Loch Broom FMs The Medicine Show. This visit comes on the recommendation of, and courtesy of Medicine Show friend Nashville Songwriter publisher and knife throwing expert Phil Lee, who has a song and appears on Joy Lynn's new album.

When Phil heard she was going to play in the Highlands he told Joy she has to play the Medicine Show. It so happens she arrives just in time , with a quickly arranged show , to light up the first day of the Festival with a full band gig in the Festival Hub after The Dysfunktionals at 8.30 to 10 pm at The Caledonian Hotel and a Medicine Show appearance with Walter on The Live Broadcast /Concert with Peter Lang at 7.30 on Loch Broom FM, Coincidently Joy and Phil last week recorded a duet session in Nashville for BBC Radio Scotland Thrift Shop Show which will be presented by Laura Cantrell from Nashville and broadcast in Scotland over the Summer

Festival Programmes and maps sponsored by 2 lochs radio available for download from www.the-medicineshow.co.uk/easterwestfest chick on the Schedule link

Rob Ellen

Highland Teachers off to Gambia

2006-04-04T11:00:00.000Z

A group of Highland teachers leave Inverness on today (Monday 3^rd April 2006) bound for the Gambia in West Africa to help train local teachers in computer skills.

The teachers are going to Gambia for 10 days to follow up a project that was developed there by The Highland Council, with their IT provider Fujitsu, which provides an IT training centre for participants in the Presidents Award (the Gambian equivalent of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award)

Last December, twelve 6th year Highland secondary school pupils went to the Gambia as part of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme and they installed £20K worth of computers involving 17 main frames and 3 laptops provided by Fujitsu. The equipment was installed at the President’s Centre in the township Bakau. The project was featured last week in the Scottish Parliament at a reception for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

The Bakau Centre already provides woodworking and metalworking skills opportunities for the Presidents Award participants and the introduction of information technology was a welcome addition as this is not available in their mainstream schools programme.

The teachers’ visit is being funded by the League for the Exchange of Commonwealth Teachers (LECT) and while they are in Gambia they will train teachers and students in the use of ICT. They will also complete some additional technical work to the Centre and install 5 additional computers.

On their return, staff will have the opportunity to share their experiences with the wider Highland school community, via direct communication and through in-service and conference facilities. They will share this learning with other local authorities in Scotland and across the UK. There are also opportunities to develop international e-linking opportunities with schools in the Gambia and elsewhere.

Over £400 worth of course material has been donated to the trip by Leckie and Leckie. They have provided SQA PC Passport booklets that the Highland teachers are going to use with their Gambian counterpart.

Teachers going to Gambia include: Carolann Andrews, Nairn Academy; Shaun Foster, Charleston Academy; Lindsay Shepherd, Culloden Academy; Doug Morrison and Alistair McIntosh, Inverness Royal Academy; Valerie Maclennan, Dingwall Academy; Joan Guest, Wick High School; Thea Pallut, Grantown Grammar; and Gordon Milne, Kinlochleven High School.

No Rats left on Canna Island

2006-04-03T22:45:00.000Z

Around 100 years ago when ships stumbled on a small island near Skye the people aboard must have been in awe of the beauty and the different types of sea birds there. Unfortunately rather like the MacDonald’s wrappers that now are often left behind on highland walks when people leave, back then it was rats that were unintentionally left behind. The rats with there stunning views to Rum and the Cuillins happily survived rather too well and there numbers grew and grew until the bird populations declined.

Concerned about this, the National Trust for Scotland got pest controllers all the way from New Zealand to deal wit the problem 6 months ago. The team from Wildlife Management International laid poison (hidden in peanut butter were told) and rat traps which reportedly killed around 10,000 rats. In fact the pest controllers claim they have wiped out the entire rat population from the small island. Before the peanut butter surprise could be laid they had the job or rounding up Canna woodmice and other rare mammals were they were placed in zoos on the mainland for a short while for their protection.

The national trust for Scotland hopes that without the rats feeding on the seabirds eggs that the regeneration of the islands internationally important seabird colonies will begin.

Should animals be killed that are not native to an area, to protect local rare animals, its certainly food for thought.

I imagine they will certainly be keeping a close eye on the Isle of Canna this summer to see if the rats have really gone.

Ferry Start Date on Communion Sunday

2006-04-03T22:20:00.000Z

Caledonian MacBrayne the ferry operator has announced that there new Sunday Service will start on this weekend, despite the fact that its Communion Sunday.

The Island of lewis and Harris will have the ferry arrive into Leverburgh at 1030 GMT on April 9th, which is just as the Free Presbyterian Church's communion service is due to begin.

Morag Munro the south Harris Councillor has said "They have bypassed the community, thrown the communities' wishes back in their faces, they have bypassed the local council and bypassed the shipping services committee.Had they consulted with the community they would have known that the next Sabbath is the week of the communion services in Leverburgh

The Free Presbyterian ministers for the area is said to be dissappointed at the decision.

Calmac have deffened there sunday sailing decison despite local opposing views saying that it was the most appropriate way of fulfilling its responsibilities and that they were not aware it was a communion Sunday.

Can we still smoke in a bothy?

2006-04-02T13:01:00.000Z

Well here is an interesting question I received today - are bothys on the mountians part of the smoking ban?

I thought before looking in to that particular question I'd add some information on the ban.

The purpose of the new law is to protect the general public in Scotland from passive smoking.
The law came in to effect on 26th March 2006 at 6am.
Second-hand smoke is a large part of indoor air pollution.
It's now an offence to permit or smoke in a non smoking premises
It's an offence if you do not display warning notices of non smoking premises
Enforcement offices now have the power to enter no smoking premises

What is classed as a no smoking premises
A Premises is defined as - A place that has a ceiling or roof that is wholly enclosed or enclosed apart from an opening that is less than half of the premises walls.

A Premises that the puplic has access
A Premises tht is used as a place of work or has employees
A Premises that is used for the purposes of a club or unicorporated association
A Premises that is being used for the provision of education, health or care services.

That includes places like, workplaces, restaurants, bars, shops, cinemas, offices, hospitals, work vehicles and sports centres.

What are the exemptions to this

There are not many exemptions include the following

Residential accomodation
designated rooms in adult care homes,
Adult hospices,
designated rooms in psychiatric units
designated hotel bedrooms
designated detention or interview rooms
private vehicles
Offshore installations
submarines and refuelling vessels

Penaltys

a £50 fixed penalty fine for any person who smokes in a no smoking premises
a £200 fixed penalty fine for those in control of the no smoking premises if reasonable action is not taken to prevent someone smoking.
A fine up to £2,500 may come from a prosection if refusal or faluire to pay a fixed penalty fine.

Ferry Crossings
Another area that may be of interest to some of our visitors is that if you are travelling on a ferry from Scotland to our Islands (Ullapool to Stornaway for example) then the ferry will be non smoking however if you are travelling to another countrie including Northern Ireland then the ban does not apply.

Ok so that's summary of the new Scottish no smoking law but back to the qestion.

Are mountain bothies and cllimbing huts covered by this law?

I must admit my first thought was - do people smoke in bothy's anyway? many walkers I have spoken with say they tend to find that smokers do this outside the bothy and that is was pretty rare to see someone smoking inside one. I was also asked how would it matter as how could this law be enforced on the sides of mountains anyway.

In a quest to find the answer I turned to google and the mountaineering council of scotland. It seems they are currently looking in to this with no clear answer as yet either - however there were some interesting points made on there website by climbers;

"I'd think that a bothy comes under s4(4)a and c, and a club hut under s4(4)c, but the devil lies in the detail!" or one reader feels that "if you're alone in a bothy it's your decision. But if you're not, the new law applies," another reader raises the important issue of mountain rubbish "i greatly object to is fag butts left on the hillside and in bothy's. there is no need for this, and people should put them in there pockets and take them off with them. Imagine if just 50 people a week dropped one fag butt each in an area of mountains? They would soon start building up!"

As many will self enforce the law I would hope that most will continue to smoke outside, now if we could get more poeple keeping things tidy while on the mountain and disposing of their litter correctly.

220 Miles into the North Atlantic

2006-03-31T17:34:00.000Z

At half past one this afternoon Stornoway Coastguard received a call from the FV Russa Taign which was taking on water.

The fishing vessel is currently 30 nautical miles South, South East of Rockall, which is 220 miles into the North Atlantic. The crew of six were trying to rig a pump and drain the flood, in the fish room, when they contacted the Coastguard for assistance.

Stornoway Coastguard scrambled the Coastguard Rescue helicopter Mike Uniform to the scene. The helicopter is carrying an additional pump and will assist the crew in trying to empty the water out of the vessel.

Another fishing vessel the Aalskere is proceeding to assist the Russa Taign crew if they do need to evacuate. Both fishing vessels are in constant contact with Stornoway Coastguard.

Stornoway Coastguard Watch Manager, Martin Collins says,

The Russa Taign is over 200 miles into the North Atlantic, but we are in communications with her at all times. We anticipate the helicopter crew will be able to assist in the draining operation, but if the crew on board do need to evacuate we will be on scene to airlift them to safety.

However, because of the extreme range that the helicopter is operating at, it will only have 25 minutes with the Russa Taign before they have to return to shore for fuel.

Preserve The Hebridean Sabbath?

2006-03-31T11:30:00.000Z

Today I found myself reading an article on the new row that has been sparked in the western isles with the ferry company Caledonian MacBrayne wishing to start a Sunday service. This reminded me of a similar controversy when the first Sunday flights started, in fact the first flight was met with around 60 protesters.

"Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the Sabbath."

The traditional Sabbath means a ban on work unless the task is a ‘work of necessity or mercy’. While jobs such as nursing and fire-fighting are acceptable, other ‘non-essential’ occupations are frowned upon. Sabbatarians will avoid most household chores, such as laundry, gardening, ironing, dusting, emptying the ashes of a peat fire, putting the rubbish out, and DIY.

Many church-going men will shave the night before so as to avoid shaving on the Sabbbath. ‘Frivolous’ pastimes such as playing football, watching television, eating out, going to the pub, internet surfing, or reading ‘worldly’ books are also out.

Many Islanders traditionally begin Sabbath observance late on Saturday night, switching off televisions and making sure they are home well before midnight.

Pubs on the Isle of Lewis close half an hour before midnight, to allow a ‘cordon sanitaire’ between drinking and the beginning of the Sabbath. Although others claim that although the pubs are closed it does not stop people drinking on the Sabbath.

It has also been said that a decade ago the swings in one council owned play park were locked up on a Sunday although I am unsure if this was true.

According to Scotland on Sunday Back in 2003, the Western Isles Council had been told it risked breaking European Union law by banning Sunday entertainment on the grounds of religion. The council in July of that year commissioned a Roy Martin QC to asses if the ban on Sabbath entertainment (things like cinema, dances and concerts) was actually lawful. Roy Martin QC said the council could prevent events being staged on a Sunday on the grounds of the islands’ traditional culture and heritage but not religion.

It really is an argument with two sides, many business people say that by tourists not being able to leave the islands on a Sunday stops them from staying at weekends and therefore the economy is affected. Some say that it should be a matter of choice and things need to move “forward”. Others feel the heritage of the Hebridean Sabbath should be preserved and that eventually it could destroy island life.

An emotive subject no matter which side of the fence you are and one that is sure to continue with a cultural divide perhaps widening as time goes by?

Mojo Walk - Ullapool Blues Music

2006-03-27T21:05:00.000Z

Keith Witham (bass) and I have shared a love of Blues Music down through the to many years to mention, so it was with much delight that I heard he'd found some like minded souls in Ullapool and Mojo Walk were up and running. I don't know why I was surprised about the quality of their live performance on what seemed like no rehearsal time, Ullapool doesn't do bad music, but these guys were obviously kindred spirits. Even with that as a given, to find as good a live band as Mojo Walk working locally is always very special.

I booked them to do a tour with American Blues Gospel Legends The Holmes Brothers, and they more than held their own, Mojo Walk are more than an opening act, but they are the perfect opening act! pure energy, if your not up dancing two songs in then you can't be well, "you poor thing"!

They draw on the British Pub Rock Blues style and atmosphere of the likes of Eddie and The Hot Rods and Dr Feelgood, that heralded the onset of Punk Rock on the late 70's music scene, but with their own harder edged post punk 21st century attack and attitude, a heady combination of love for the music and love of live performance.

Easter West Fest see them launch their first release "Exile on Shore Street" (recorded locally at Novosco Productions) at the Easter West Fest Finale Concert opening for Zimbabwe (Bhundu Boy) Rise Kagona's new band Culture Clash, again thrown in at the deep end with an other world legend of roots music, will it phase them? will it phuque!!!

1 2 3 4.... lets go... Mojo's

Rob

Who ate all the bread?

2006-03-24T16:14:00.000Z

When I read your newsletter about visiting Ullapool, I remembered my first visit and laughed all over again.

We were staying at the Caledonian Hotel and my hotel window faced the grocery across the street. It was very early when the delivery man brought crates of bread and left them outside the door. Just moments after he left a seagull and two younger birds landed in front of the store.

The older bird tore open two or three loaves of bread to feed to the younger birds. We yelled to shoo them away but you know the look we got as they feasted happily. It was a great holiday and I've been back twice since the first time and will again - soon I hope.

Sincerely

Susan Tortorici

Study in the Highlands of Scotland

2006-03-23T21:32:00.000Z

If you wanted to study at univestiy level and lived in the highlands of Scotland then you would most likely have to move from home, this meant that mature students especially would perhaps not have considered further edcuation. However with the UHI now firmly on the map this is no longer the case.

Principal, Professor Bob Cormack, said that learning was now more accessible to more people than at any time in the region’s history.

There are over 5000 students studying - 57% of students are over 25 years and this year there are Over 150 university-level courses now on offer.

We offer courses in skills that range from art to video production, business to theology, computing to sound engineering,” he said.

“We have students studying for Higher National Certificates right through to university degrees, post-graduate degrees and PhDs. Courses are available through 14 academic partners, from Perth College and Argyll College in the south to Shetland College in the north, and over 50 learning centres.

“And by offering courses in subjects such as forestry, tourism, decommissioning, engineering, cultural studies and the history of the Highlands and Islands, we’re confident that we are equipping people with the skills that the region needs to grow.”

UHI is the only higher education institution based in the Highlands and uses some of the most advanced technology available to deliver university-level education.

“It’s not unusual for us to have tutorial groups in which students and tutors are physically hundreds of miles apart, but working closely with each other using video conferencing and online technology,” added Professor Cormack.

“Because we give people access to education at so many levels and from so many locations, we’ve been able to attract people across the Highlands and Islands who would otherwise never have considered lifelong learning.

UHI Student Of The Year

If you’re a special UHI student why not take part in the UHI Student of the Year awards?
If you win your local award (or a research or learning centre award), you could also become UHI Student of the Year - and win a fabulous prize of £250!

Are you special?

Getting good grades?
Overcoming a disability?
Involved in a student club?
Winning at sports?
Excelling in art or music?

Nominations must be submitted by 1 May. See the website below for more details:
www www..uhi.ac.uk/studentawar studentawards

Relief all three found alive!

2006-03-23T20:48:00.000Z

I am delighted to report that the three pensioners who went missing during a walk in Wester Ross have been found safe and well. They survived a night on Rubha Mor Peninsula and were picked up at different locations in the area after becoming separated. News of the rescue has spread to the national news who have reported the following information.

Police named the men as David Radcliff, 66, from Paisley, Robert Houston, 69, from Alloway, and Campbell Pearson, 68, from St Andrews. More than 50 people were involved in the search - including the police and an RAF Sea king helicopter. When the three were found they spoke of their relief and how they had feared for their lives. They have now been taken to hospital in Inverness and rescuers say they are lucky to have survived more than 24 hours in such cold temperatures.

The search involved coastguard teams, Northern Constabulary, an RAF Lossiemouth helicopter crew, the RAF Kinloss mountain rescue team and mountain rescue experts from the Dundonnell team.

Alongside a ground and air search, the RNLI's Lochinver lifeboat carried out a coastal search.

The first man was located by Achiltibuie Coastguard Rescue Team at 1500 GMT at a place known as Camascoille.Fifty minutes later the second man was found by the Ullapool Coastguard Rescue Team at Camaseilean Ghlais.

The third man was traced by a rescue helicopter from RAF Lossiemouth at 1615 GMT a short distance away from him.

RAF spokesman Michael Mulford said: "One was found on the east coast, one on the west and one on the south-west.

"One was on his own and the other two got split up, for whatever reason, during the afternoon."
Mr Mulford said none of the men had required medical attention. Mr Mulford said Rubha Mor was hit by bad weather at the time the three were out walking. He said: "In that area yesterday afternoon when they would have been there the weather deteriorated badly. "What we are sure of is that yesterday they may have got caught in some very bad weather.

"Snow is such an enemy as it blanks out almost everything."

Elderly walkers reported missing

2006-03-23T14:17:00.000Z

I have just received this breaking news alert.

=========
Three elderly hillwalkers have been reported missing after failing to return from a walk.
The alarm was raised after the men - aged 66, 68 and 69 - did not return to the Caledonian Hotel in Ullapool, where they were staying, on Wednesday.

Police have carried out patrols at the most likely start-off points but have not traced the red Honda car the men were using. Officers' concern for the men has been heightened by snow and cold weather. Emergency services, Highland Council and roads authority Bear Scotland have been issued with a description of the trio.

The 66-year-old is 6ft tall, of medium build, bald with a white beard. The 68-year-old is 5ft 9in tall, slim with white hair, while the 69-year-old is 5ft 9in tall, of slim build with a reddish complexion.
===========

I hope the three are found safe and well. Any one with any information should contact the police we will keep you updated if we hear anymore.

Do You Own This Ullapool Cottage?

2006-03-22T01:02:00.000Z

On checking my emails I find an enquiry about a cottage located in Ullapool which has caught the eye of a recent visitor. Although I know where the cottage is I don't know anything about it or who may be the best person for Derek to contact maybe you can help him in his search or provide some information on its history?

Dear sir/madam,

I live near Edinburgh and have just spent a fantastic week-end in Ullapool. Whilst out for a walk along the beach past the caravan site, heading back to town centre, I past a derelict property and wondered who owned it and was it for sale. Can you please give any information regarding this. I have attached two photos taken of it.

Kind regards,

Derek

Ullapool is Scotland's Village of Music

2006-03-21T23:11:00.000Z

Today I got an email from Rob Ellen who without a doubt is our main man when it comes to keeping us to date on the highland music scene. Rob tells us about the not to be missed Easter-West-Fest it looks like a cracking few days and I hear there is discount accommodation on the go for anyone traveling up for the fest!

"Lets just call it what it is! Ullapool is Scotland's Village of Music, go to Ullapool any day of the week and you have a in variably a choice of live music and a choice of venues, with world class annual Events at the back end of the year in The Ullapool Guitar Festival and Lupaloo, I thought it might be good to shrug off the yoke of winter, with a spring festival" "I'm delighted the venues of Ullapool are sharing this vision and allowing me this opportunity" . Rob Ellen

Introducing the first ever Easter-West-Fest
14th 15th & 16th April 2006
Organised by Medicine Music
(With Organic Support from The Black Isle Brewery)
In Ullapool Scotland's Village of Music

A Celebration of the Roots Shoots and Branches of Music
Free Pub Circuit (Late Night) Festival Club Open Mic Session
Finale Concert/Dance Workshops and Talks; Film Screening
Live LBFM Radio Concert & sessions and Internet Radio Broadcasts
with discount festival accommodation
www.the-medicineshow.co.uk/easterwestfest

Ullapool Festival Details

The Festival gets underway Easter Friday 14 April 7.30pm - 8.45pm Caley Hotel Festival

Free Reception and Launch Concert with The Dysfunctionals. A chance to meet and greet other Festival Goers and suitably launch the first Easter West Festival (under 18’s welcome to this event)

Free Pub Circuit, Saturday 15th April from 9pm

Arch Inn (Crash Banjo's) Broom Bar (The Federals and Joost) Caledonian Hotel (No Comebacks) Ferry Boat Inn (Dave Sharp) The Seaforth (Hobo Talk and The Sundowns) Festival Club in The Caley with Rise Kagona and Doug Veitch + guests from midnight only £5

A Night at the Theatre perhaps?

2006-03-20T18:15:00.000Z

Well I just heard about an Aberdeen productions company is coming to Ullapool with there new show. Not that you need more reasons to visit Ullapool but if you fancy coming up for the Easter West Festival (will add a blog about that later on) then make a weekend of it and visit the theatre too.

Why not have a night at the Theatre before taking in the Easter West Fest Pub circuit

Saturday 15^th April The Macphail Centre, Ullapool, starting at 7pm

Sealskin Trousers adapted from the short story by Eric Linklater gives a modern twist to the ancient 'Selkie' myth. Not so much a love story, more of a seduction of words, and a statement on humanities obsession with work. This show combines wonderful words with stunning aerial work and state of the art video technology to tell a simple story beautifully.

Sealskin Trousers by Eric Linklater.

Directed & adapted by Jonothan Campbell

"Don't be alarmed, I'm not going to throw you over. But if you insist on a conversation on trousers, I think you should sit down again. Look at the smoothness of the water, and the light in the depths of it. Have you ever seen anything lovelier?"

Aye! Productions is a new theatre company based in Aberdeenshire established in December 2004. It is the culmination of 20 years work and learning by its Artistic Director, Jonothan Campbell. Aye! premiered it's first production 'The Ballad' in the spring of 2005

'This is a deeply-affecting physical theatre piece with arresting flying sequences. It's a mini-masterwork that slowly catches fire until it completely engulfs you. A major theatrical event that shouldn't be missed.' Roddy Phillips on 'The Ballad' - Press and Journal.

The Artistic Team

Director & Aerial Designer Jonothan Campbell

Mentor Gerry Mulgrew

A.V. John McGeoch

Performer Andrew Murray

Performer Kally Lloyd-Jones

Aerial Technician Bethan Jennings

Designer Sandy Noble

Lighting & Sound Design Simon Gane

Costume & Poster Image April Pressley

I 'm not sure if I'm going to be able to make this one with work but if anyone gets a chance to go drop me an email on how it went or add a comment on the blog I hear there first show was excellent so I expect this will be a good night out too.

Ullapool Gets Blogging!

2006-03-19T21:44:00.000Z

……We hope

If it’s your first time here - don’t worry its ours too! And wow where should we begin? Well how about a quick look at how we got here.

A bit of History

In 1999 along with LochbroomFM I started the Ullapool.co.uk website, the Internet was a different place back then with not as many people online, in fact I could have counted on one hand how many other sites online mentioned Ullapool. Google had only been online for a few months, Amazon hadn’t yet turned a profit and 56k modems were the big thing!

Over the last 7 years we’ve seen an explosion in websites, users and the technology itself, a quick search on Google shows a staggering 1,170,000 results for “Ullapool”, with our site, I’m proud to say still in the number one slot. The website is still run voluntarily we still do not charge anyone with a business in Ullapool to advertise and I’m still juggling with time split between family, work, study, website and updates.

The Ullapool Blog is born.

Over the years the Ullapool.co.uk site has continued to evolve with its content and many face lifts. I still enjoy it as much now as I did then and I'm always on the look out for new things to expand Ullapool’s online presence and get everyone together. I don’t always get things right or manage to get all the updates done each week but the main aim of the website is still the same (See Our Aims). So here we are in 2006 expanding the site again by jumping in to the world of blogging.

Why are we doing it?

A massive part of my love and slight addiction to Ullapool.co.uk is the community that has been forming around the website. I get emails on a daily basis on all sorts of requests from the norm to the bizarre, these often send me off investigating or contacting some of our more knowledgeable locals to find an answer. I’d almost say, I’ve learned more about our beautiful corner of the world, from our sites visitors, than I have from living there in my youth and think its about time I shared all this with you.

Will people be interested in reading it?

I think so… you tell me? - I’m thinking that you would like to see what other people say about life in Ullapool, read real people’s opinions on there time in the village and surrounding area, what’s it really like to live here, work or visit here?

Will it work?

Hmmm … I don’t know that either but I’d love to see this succeed and through the collective wisdom of readers and contributors build a real community spirit around it but, of course, it will only work if we all join in and share are thoughts, reviews, news and opinions.

Lets spread the word and see where the Ullapool Blog takes us!

What can I put on the UllaBlog?

2006-03-18T21:42:00.000Z

I’d love to be on the Ullapool Blog but what can I say….

In short you can say anything (as long as it’s not offensive of course) if its related in some way to our area then your fine.

If you run a business in Ullapool why not put some forms out to your guests, and any feedback add it to the blog, or give the address out to let other visitors know that they can review your establishment online - what a great way to let other potential visitors know what a great place yours is and why people enjoyed staying there.

Here’s some idea’s.

A favorite Ullapool memory
An activity you enjoyed
A funny Moment
A concert or event you’ve attended
About the place you stayed, ate or drank in
Why you love/hate Ullapool, or why will you come back
An Announcement, poem or story.
Local Issues and your opinion.
Review a local restaurant, service, or business.
Where’s the best place to fish,walk, climb, relax.
What’s it like to live, work or study in Ullapool
Moving to the area was it easy? got any tips?

It doesn’t have to be anything long And if there is a photo to go with your thoughts even better!!

if you prefer to email your addition or have any questions drop me a line Webdesign@Btopenworld.com

37 Guests at Highland Wing Dinner

2006-03-18T00:52:00.000Z

Flight Lieutenant Andy Dobson RAFVR(T) contacted us with the following press release on there succesful evening of celebration.

On Friday 24^th February 2006, Highland Wing of the Air Training Corps (ATC), which covers the North of Scotland from Lochaber in the South to Thurso in the North and the Isle of Lewis in the West to Lossiemouth in the East, held their official Wing Dinner. Squadron staff from all over the Wing attended the evening which was held at the Coul House Hotel, Contin, Ross-shire.

The evening was a celebration of the work carried out by everyone within the Highland Wing and the time and commitment given by the volunteer staff in the Corps. The evening was attended by 37 guests made up of staff and their partners. The palatial surroundings of the country hotel of Coul House provided a fantastic backdrop to the annual Wing Dining In Night, and all Highland Wing members thank the staff and owners of the hotel for a very enjoyable evening.

Wing Commander Brian Munro, congratulated and thanked all his team for the continued commitment shown by them within the ATC organisation throughout the last year, and wished everyone continued success and support in the Highland Wing.

The ATC is open to anyone aged 13-18 years old. So why join? Not only is it fun, you can also make new friends, learn unusual skills and take part in activities that you can’t do at school. The ATC is sponsored by the Royal Air Force but you don’t need to join the RAF to be a cadet. However, we do offer flying opportunities in RAF aircraft and visits to RAF bases. But being an Air Cadet won’t just help you if you want a military job – it will give you a head start whatever career path you choose.

Air Cadets is not just for young people and squadrons throughout the organisation regularly seek assistance from adults to become adult volunteers. If you want to ‘challenge yourself’ and become part of the

Next Generation’ come and join the Air Cadets in Highland Wing. For more details about a squadron near you contact Headquarters Highland Wing, Air Training Corps, Inverness by telephone on 01463 229724.

Take up the challenge and become an Air Cadet or Adult Volunteer

Row over internet access in Highlands

2006-03-10T21:31:00.000Z

It was to herald the age of the “tele-crofter”, countering distance and delivering unprecedented opportunity to Scotland’s most rural communities.But a two-tier system of broadband provision has been established in the Highlands, with some customers unable to gain access because the local exchange is full up, while others enjoy a service many times faster than others. The Broadband for Scotland’s Remote and Rural Areas project received funding as part of a £24m Scottish Executive broadband initiative as well as up to £5m from the EU.

However, 108 of the 200 communities earmarked to receive broadband in the Highlands and Islands have been given Exchange Activate (EA), an inferior system to the full Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL). The cheaper version, which was designed for exchanges without the necessary fast links back to the BT network, has three important limitations. It comes in a small unit for only 30 lines. Although EA is 10 times faster than dial-up, it is up to 16 times slower than the latest ADSL service. It is also limited to a small number of service providers so customers cannot gain access to deals from the likes of Tesco or Virgin.

The cost of connecting the exchange back to the BT network decided which communities were selected for which service, and not a socio-economic analysis. So small communities including Shieldaig and Lochbroom in Wester Ross have full ADSL but the more populous Durness in Sutherland, Dunbeath in Caithness, Staffin in Skye and Achiltibuie in Ross-shire only have EA.

Peter Drake runs the Polbain Stores in Achiltibuie near Ullapool, but is in the process of selling it. He said: “We have EA and use it to run the business. It would be well-nigh impossible to do so without the connection even though it is just EA.

We take e-mailed orders for people coming on holiday in the summer. “But our connection is in our house. The people who are taking the shop over have applied to get connected, but there is no spare capacity. There are two EA units in the exchange each providing for 30 lines, but all 60 have been taken. Yet we hear stories of communities with just eight houses having full ADSL.”

Nicol Stephen, the enterprise minister, last month lauded the “tremendous progress” that had been made in broadband provision, saying broadband had been provided in every community in Scotland.

But one businessman in the far north said: “It is highly misleading to claim all the remote Highland communities have broadband, because the inference most would draw from that is that they have parity with anywhere else in the country. That is just not true. “So you can imagine the frustration in these communities when they hear politicians making such claims.”

Genealogy Leads to Ullapool

2006-03-06T12:55:00.000Z

Hometown: Durham Ontario Canada

I’ll be back !!My Grandfather, John MacKenzie was born in Ullapool 1877, as was his father Murdock Alexander, and his father Murdock. I am searching genealogy, and one day may see Ullapool for myself.

John Elkerton

Loopallu Poet in Residence

2005-10-29T11:29:00.000Z

To: Ullapool

I have just got back from Loopallu and my stint as Poet in Residence, and am writing to thank Robert Hicks, the Broomfield Holiday Park, and the whole of Ullapool for one of the best times I have ever had! For myself, and most of the other 2000 visitors, it was a first time visit; and we all fell in love with your town. You should all feel very proud.

I managed to make six books while I was with you, and would like to thank Laura and Julie at the High School for doing the photocopying to allow me to do so.

I would also like to thank the good people at the Art Gallery, especially Nancy, for allowing me to perform a Walter Scott poem, and one of my own, on Saturday. The Gallery is a lovely space, and another thing to be proud of.

I also have to say that being in the Ullapool News the week before Loopallu was a big help to me. Everyone I met seemed to know about me, thanks to your paper. My book went down very well, and Hayseed Dixie were impressed with it. I will be adding to it and making more copies within a few weeks. There will be details on my bradwan.com website.

I would very much like to come back to Ullapool before a year is out, but if I do not, I will, with the blessing of providence, be back for Loopallu 2.

Thank you all again.
Glyn Watkins
Loopallu 2005 Poet in Residence

Magic time at the festival

2005-10-19T21:28:00.000Z

Loppallu!

Just to say cheers to the village of Ullapool for a magic time at the festival. Never met a friendlier bunch. The whole place was buzzing.

The Arch inn did the village proud by trying to stay open through the small power cut. Pints by candle light makes a great night out. Beautiful setting will be back next year without a doubt if i can wait that long!!

Anyone Remember My Dad or Grandad

2005-09-19T21:27:00.000Z

Hometown: Edinburgh

Just checking in to see if anyone remembers my dad: Eric Duncan Smith 1925-1994, he was born in Ullapool. Also my grandad William Smith (Vim) who was teacher at the school. The Smiths left in the 40’s for Edinburgh.

Any comments, memories, ideas about or photos welcome!!

Kathryn Smith

To Hot To Fish

2005-08-19T21:25:00.000Z

Hometown: Kent
Just got back from Ullapool had a great time, and what weather better then being abroad, we will have to come back it was meant to be a fishing hol but it was far to hot to fish..thanks for all the info on your site and the news updates on that boat that sank while we were there.
by the way the royal hotel is a smashing place to stay really friendly

till next time
Eric and co
Eric

Who Turned the Sprinklers On

2005-04-19T21:24:00.000Z

Hello there,

I have recently returned from a holiday in Ullapool and enjoyed the Pipe band and dancers in the Car park. It was a beautiful rainbow on Monday the 1st of July, still got to get around to watching the video with its reflection in the Loch.

Name check for Lochbroom FM who mentioned the existance of your web-site. Hopefully when we come back to the Highlands we might see some of the famous Monrowes(oops!!) when the sprinklers are not on.

Enjoyed the Summer Isles and the seals, we do not see may of those in the Thames Estuary.
Thanks to the many friendy people that we met.

>From somebody who is more use to climbing Snowdonia. Originally from the valleys of South Wales.

All the Best,
The Morris Family.

A Very Special Place

2005-04-19T21:21:00.000Z

Hometown: Thorne,Doncaster,South Yorkshire

Excellent site,Ullapool and Loch Broom (Little Loch Broom included) is a very special place.My wife and I along with out 2 boys stayed in Ms Mclean’s place in Badlurach by the water of Little Loch Broom in ‘98.I told her then that in my opinion she lived in a place that was “special”.I think she thought I was “joking”.Certainly not,to be able to stand at the front door ,listen, and all you can hear is total silence is something that I can only describe as unique.

As I type this message out even at 10pm I live on the main road which is busy with traffic.The leisure centre was a welcome venue from the weather.3 times swimming in a week although we still visited Lochinver, Gairloch, Lower Diabaig(film loch ness location),John o’groats, Inverness,the pub at Altguish and the great Ross County Football Club in Dingwall(a very chilly August night).

Looking back , suberb ,
great memories.
GLYN BROCKLESBY

Thank you for a wonderful journey

2005-03-20T21:20:00.000Z

I want to thank the people of Ullapool for the wonderful time my husband and I spent with you in July. Ullapool is the home of my ancestors who left to go to Australia in 1853. It was a sentimental journey for me and I felt immediately welcome and at home. The village is just beautiful and a credit to your Tourism committee or whoever ensures that the cultural feel and look of the village is left intact. We stayed for 5 days and were sorry that it wasn’t 5 weeks! Maybe next time.

My Ancestors Donald McLennan and his wife Mary (McKenzie) I’m sure would have been proud that one of their Great Great Grandchildren returned and completed the circle.

My heart is now permanently attached to Ullapool - love and best wishes to all and especially to any of my living relatives.

Carol Davis (My Mum was Jean McLennan)

Were you on a Callanish Tour in 1997?

2005-03-19T21:19:00.000Z

I would like to get in touch with Susan who was on one of Calmac’s Callanish tours with a friend called Christine. I believe it was in 1997.

I know it’s a long time ago, but, that weekend there were musicians from Thurso College playing at the Seaforth and their means of transport was a white double decker bus.
Susan also spoke to my friend that evening in the bar at the Seaforth. As far as I know, both girls names are correct and both worked with the tourist board at that time although Christine did not stay in the area. If Susan is still in the area, any information would be appreciated since I feel I owe Christine an explanation and, if possible, would like to contact her to be able to do this.

I would not expect to receive any personal details online so if any information is available a meeting could be arranged at a mutually convenient place and time, possibly in Ullapool though, it’s a great place to be.

Tam W.

Looking For Walter or Ian

2005-02-19T09:17:00.000Z

CAN ANYONE HELP PLEASE?

We are looking to contact the following people,
Walter last contact in June 03 when he was working as a Chef at the Four seasons Hotel Ullapool.

Also IAN working as waiter/ barmen also working at the Four seasons.
Would like to talk to you both. my email is johnohara53@hotmail.com or mobile is 07796-027437 and will call you back.
RGDSJohn & Carolyn

I Love Ullapool

2004-03-09T15:14:00.000Z

Hometown: Hampton, Middlesex
Your website makes me feel so at home. I (and my family) love Ullapool: I’ve been visiting for almost forty years first staying at the then brand new (and somewhat different) Seaforth. Today The Ceilidh Place is our home from home and we are so privileged to feel that Jean and Effie and Sheila are friends.

This is a great way to keep in touch, and as I write this I’m seeing the seals popping up their heads in the harbour alongside The Summer Queen; the sunlight falling across the far side of the loch and the Calmac ferry making its way out towards the Minch…

We’re bringing six very good friends up to Ullapool in October to celebrate joint 50th birthdays, our 25th wedding anniversary and my wife’s recent recovery from multiple cancers. Lucy, our 12 year-old daughter, longs to splash around in Ulla’s Pool and spend a little time with the friend she’s bringing up with her.

Our friends, two from the US, two from NE England and two whom we met in Sweden thirty years ago are all dear people and we thought it was about time they all saw Ullapool. We’re having a celebratory meal at the CP, staying for a couple of nights and hoping to have an excursion on the Sunday (21st October). I really wanted to take them to the Summer Isles but understand that the boats will all have been laid up by then. Anyone know anyone who’d be prepared to take us for a couple of hour ‘cruise’ around The Summer Isles (we’d take our own picnic!).

We’re all professional couples (mostly in education), know how to behave, respect highland culture and morality and just love to be in your neck of the woods: it’s life-enhancing, and although I enjoy living in London and am thrilled by the galleries and museums and theatres and bookshops and coffee shops and… well, you get the picture, I’m sure, I nonetheless value what Ullapool has to offer and has given me/us over the years.

My only regret is that apart from coming up annually and spending a few quid I’ve not found a way to make a contribution, to repay the kindness, the friendliness, the warmth, the generosity and the sheer decency with which I’ve always been met there.

All the very best to all of you.
STEPHEN KEELER

Lived in Ullapool until 1971

2003-07-27T05:54:00.000Z

Hometown: Surrey, BC Canada

Thank you for such a wonderful Web site. I and my family lived in Ullapool from 1958 until 1971 and have many fond memories of people and places. All five of my children were born while we lived there (one of them was actually born at home in the village). After having left Scotland for Canada in 1976 I have only been back in Ullapool once and my eldest son Doug paid a short visit with his wife a few years back. The web site is wonderful and it’s great to see both how much the village has grown, yet so much of what was familiar to us is still there.

I hope I will be able to come back for another visit some day.

Audrey

Battle Field Band

2003-07-19T09:09:00.000Z

Name: Torsten Baier
Hometown: near Lübeck /Germany
Archive Post From 20.43 - 2/7

Hi all
I found your Web site by checking the Tour list of the “Battle Field Band”. On the 9th of July will start this great concert in your town.

I am from a small village near Luebeck in Germany and I have never been in Ullapool. But I intend travelling to Ullapool once during the next 3 years. So I am looking for friends to learn more about greater Ullapool and the poeple there.

I saw the Battle Field Band in March this year in Kiel/Germany - it was a great show and it is worth to meet this Band in each concert. I wish you a great show in Ullapool with the Battle Field Band an Pat Kilbride. Pat Kilbride´s wonderful Guitar-playing is the reason for my start in learning playing guitar….. I am 41 years old.