32 arrivals for the period
Whitefish totalled 11,800 boxes from nine Scottish trawl and three Anglo Spanish long-line landings. The Scottish fleet continues to enjoy good returns from Rockall with haddock and monkfish still in abundance plus a few squid as a valuable bycatch. The majority of the Anglo fleet is fishing further north and landing into Shetland with only a handful of boats fishing locally.
Shellfish has started to pick up; there were ten landings from visiting trawlers together with the efforts of the local fleet.
The non-fishing sector continued to be busy; a variety of vessels made an appearance. Fish farm support vessel Inter Caledonia made two visits for fuel and a crew change. The luxury cruise ship Variety Voyager made a scheduled visit and the newly launched Glen Shiel (pictured) operated by Argyll based Majestic Line called in for a layover. Majestic Line operate four small ships offering adventure cruising along the west coast visiting secluded locations, beaches and beauty spots. Included in the package is locally sourced fresh seafood prepared by the on-board chefs. The Shetland-based super-trawler Altaire called in to collect scientists and equipment before heading off on the third and final mackerel egg survey – the vessel is currently surveying the Bay of Biscay. Estonian-registered warship M313 called in for fuel and three naval Archer-class training vessels Puncher, Example and Explorer came in together for a layover. The final visitor was the Dutch ketch Safier complete with two original crew members from Wylde Swan Nele and Tony. Safier spent the weekend alongside before heading off with family and friends on a two- week voyage to Oban. The ship is available for private charters and organised adventure voyages; check out the website at https://safier.ch/?q=node/33. This Sunday sees the return of Viking Sun for a half day call; hopefully the weather will be kind.
Next Friday, July 19th is Changing Places Awareness Day – its purpose is to highlight the life-changing difference these toilet facilities make to peoples’ lives across the world. Last year, Ullapool Harbour Trust completely renovated the former basement of the public toilets and created a Changing Places space alongside a Community Workshop. To raise local awareness of these facilities, postcards will be distributed to local visitor-facing businesses over the coming weeks and posters will be displayed in prominent areas around the village. This facility can make all the difference to those visiting or planning a trip to the west.