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Aerial photograph of Ullapool

Aerial photograph of Ullapool

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LOCATION: Ullapool
PERIOD: 1950s; 1960s
DISTRICT: Lochbroom
OLD COUNTY/PARISH: ROSS:Lochbroom
CONTRIBUTOR: Highland Libraries
COLLECTION NAME: Postcards
location map

This postcard shows an aerial photograph of the village of Ullapool on the northern shore of Loch Broom. Ullapool began in 1788 as a planned village, designed by Thomas Telford for the British Fisheries Society to exploit the boom in the herring fishing industry. The streets were laid out on a grid pattern and some of the new buildings included curing sheds, storehouses, a pier and a schoolhouse.

At first, the new fishing village was a success but in the early 19th century the herring deserted Loch Broom and by the 1830s the industry was in decline. In the 20th century, however, Ullapool's harbour found a new role as the east coast fishing fleet began to use it as a safe anchorage in the west.

In the 1970s and 1980s the village's economy was also helped by the arrival of East European factory ships. These have now gone but the harbour remains a focal point in the village, being the terminus for the car ferry service from Stornoway. The spectacular scenery and the many hillwalking opportunities in the surrounding area make Ullapool a popular tourist centre.



IDENTIFIER: QZP40_CARD_1493


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Portree from Scorrybreck, Skye

General Wade's Bridge, Spean Bridge

General Wade's Bridge, Spean Bridge

Quay Street and Caledonian Hotel, Ullapool

Quay Street and Caledonian Hotel, Ullapool

Black Rock, Ross-shire

Black Rock, Ross-shire





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