Two soapstone bowls were dug up by road builders who were working at Braemore twelve miles from Ullapool in the 1950s. A third was found even closer to Ullapool on the isle of Tanera and can now be seen at Ullapool Museum. These belonged to Viking settlers who, some believe, first gave Ullapool its name. (Ullapool means Ulla's steading) Whoever Ulla was he and his fellow Scandinavians were not the first settlers here. There are archaeological remains of settlements dating back to the Bronze Age and the remains of several Iron Age forts such as the one at Dun Canna a few miles north of Ullapool. These sites can be interesting places to visit. Even when all that is left of the early buildings is a pile of stones the sites the ancients chose to settle on have retained a beauty and atmosphere which is enhanced by their proximity to fresh water and fertile fishing grounds.

Before Ullapool was declared a fishing port by the British Fisheries Society in 1788 it had been home to fishermen for centuries. Whilst the fishing industry suffered periodic declines over the years it experienced a boom period during the Second World War. The waters to the east coast of Scotland became too dangerous to fish because of the threat of enemy mines. After the war, as modern technology improved catching techniques and thousands of tons of herring were landed expansion was required and Ullapool Harbour was doubled in size to cope with the large number of working boats. (see picture gallery )

The late 1960s early 1970s was the beginning of the phenomena of large Scandinavian factory ships known as klondykers which came to fish for herring. They landed their catch and sent it off for processing on the east coast. These ships then delivered the fish to Norway, Africa and the Canary Islands. They often returned with cargoes of fruit.

When the Eastern block ships appeared things changed. They were interested in fishing for mackerel which they then processed on board. Sometimes they were joined by Irish, Nigerian, French and Japanese vessels. At one time there were up to 70 klondykers (see picture gallery) in the bay so a further extension of the harbour was required. Meantime the foreign crews enthusiastically purchased all luxury goods they could not get in their own countries from Ullapool shops. There was trade and even some marriages between the two communities. Following the collapse of eastern economies the price for mackerel went down and the factory ships left.

The harbour is currently undergoing major restructuring work to make sure it remains safe to bear the weight of heavy vehicles. This work is essential so Ullapool can continue to be a major fishing port. (Last year around £11million of fish was landed.) Harbour Master Captain Murdo MacKenzie says "The trust is presently looking to modify the east section of the harbour by constructing a new leg to provide an extended area of shelter for smaller vessels and to provide pontoons / marina area for leisure craft. This would also give additional berthing for fishing vessels and allow medium-sized passenger vessels to berth alongside.

Further information about the history of the area can be found at the Ullapool Museum. See website. www.ullapoolmusem.co.uk For opening times.