Ullapool
The Ulla Stitches came together from Ullapool and Lairg to stitch the stories of the area's natural and cultural heritage and the elements which make this picturesque village so unequivocally Ullapool.
This is their story.
The Ulla Stitchers' PanelImage provided by Kirstie Campbell
BEHIND THE PANEL WITH THE ULLA STITCHES GROUP
UPPER SECTION: ON THE SHORELINE
The characterful houses of the Ullapool shorelineImage provided by The Ulla Stitchers
This section features the distinctive white houses along Shore Street in Ullapool.
Ullapool was established in 1788 as a planned village to accommodate the herring industry. Stitched on the right hand side of the street is the Fowler Clock, erected in 1900 (which sits at the junction of Quay and Argyle Streets), was given to the village by the friends of Sir Arthur Fowler (1817-1898).
MIDDLE SECTION: JOURNEY STONES
Our journey stones feature depictions of what our group felt was synonymous with Ullapool and the surrounding areas.
From left to right (top to bottom):
The festivals for which Ullapool is known for: Loopallu, Guitar & Book.
Cherry trees in bloom in Spring, on Market Street.
The Viking longship acknowledges Ullapool & West Coast Viking history.
A palm tree, many of which are found in Ullapool and the West Coast.
The gutting girl is from the herring era, on which Ullapool was founded.
The MV Loch Seaforth ferry which sails between Ullapool and Stornoway.
The Thomas Telford church from 1829, which now houses Ullapool Museum.
A croft house, many of which are found on the outskirts of Ullapool.
A Bed & Breakfast (B&B), a mainstay of the lives of many people living in Ullapool.
Ullapool Sea Savers, a young enthusiastic group looking after the environment.
Gaelic place names found around Ullapool.
Journey stones of the Ulla StitchersImage provided by The Ulla Stitchers
Lost Inverlael: A project unearthing the story of the clearance of Inverlael.
A map of the planned village of Ullapool, circa 1890.
Fèis Rois - music & culture of the Highlands. The junior Fèis has been held in Ullapool yearly, for over 30 years.
The Ullapool Creel Christmas Tree which has now become a famous feature on the West Coast.
The European Union flag. 62% of Scotland voted to stay in Europe. Ullapool and Lochbroom had benefited greatly from the funding received.
Also featured are various stones of the fish and crustacean that are important to Ullapool. The smaller stones contain the names of the stitchers who were involved in this project.
'B&B' Journey StoneImage provided by The Ulla Stitchers
Market Street Cherry Tree Journey StoneImage provided by The Ulla Stitchers
LOWER SECTION: ANCHOR'S AWAY
Historic vessels stitched on the lower panelImage provided by The Ulla Stitchers
This section includes the ship Hector which sailed from Lochbroom in 1773 to take people from the Highlands to a new life in Nova Scotia. Also featured are fishing boats that played a big part in the history of Ullapool and Loch Broom - a Scaffie, Fifie and a Zulu
The Ulla Stitches group hard at work in the sunshine.Image provided by The Ulla Stitchers
WITH THANKS TO THE ULLA STITCHES SEWING GROUP
This panel was stitched by Robbie, Jock, Ann, Cath, Ruth, Ali and Viv who gave their time, skill and energy to completing a fantastic artwork for their area.
If you would like to see the panel up close and admire the detail of their work, please look out for the panel at an exhibition near you soon. To find out more, follow Inverness Castle Experience on Facebook for all the latest updates on the Tapestry of the Highlands and Islands and the new visitor experience in Inverness, open 2025.
