Welcome to Ullapool

Today was the grand opening of the new sign at the entrance to Ullapool. When we found out that there was to be a pipe band and that the sign was to be unveiled by the world‘s strongest man, we decided to go along. So after lunch we strolled up the hill to the layby at the entrance to Ullapool from the south where a crowd was already gathering for the event. We were gratified to be offered Prosecco and flavoured water when we arrived, and soon after 2 pm the sound of bagpipes was heard as four young pipers entered the lay-by, followed by the sculptor of the sign, the chair of the Community Council, and the world’s strongest man, Tom Stoltman. He is a big guy and towered over the others. The dignitaries ascended some steps onto a small podium, speeches were made and there was much applause. Although, people being people, I heard one lady in the crowd near us remark to her friend, “I wonder where all of the money went?” Finally Tom Stoltman cut the ribbon that was tied around the sculpture (with some difficulty because he appeared to be left handed and was using right handed scissors), and the cloth covering was removed. The sign is very attractive; a shoal of fish swirl around hoops set on top of a stone plinth, where “Ullapool” is spelled out in metal letters. 

That wasn’t the only community event that we attended today. In the evening we went to see the Routes Quartet (a string quartet) play at the Ceilidh Place venue. I thought they were absolutely excellent. They are a quartet of young folk musicians but their music combines traditional folk music with classical music and they have written a lot of their own compositions.

I liked that they explained the sources and ideas behind their music before they played each set, and their music was beautiful. We wandered home along West Street just after the sun had set. The sky was still blue and the clouds were lit up pink underneath.