Ullapool

Ullapool has replaced Invermoriston as my favourite of the Highlands towns I have visited - mostly because it is big enough to imagine having a life here, whereas on Invermoriston, you'd be in the car to Drumnadrochit every other day. 

I had a very relaxed day here, not straying any further than about a mile away in any direction, searching for birds, otters, and so on. The view back along Loch Broom was very nice in different light and weather throughout the day - I'll post one picture of the scene to give you an idea, but I took about 8, depending where the sun was. It is still light at 9pm up here. 

I got laundry done during the day, had a nice long nap, ate the best scallops I have ever tasted at the Shore Restaurant above my hotel, watched some crazy accordion music, and then attempted sleep. Unfortunately, the punters above the Arch Inn had other ideas and yelled their heads off until about midnight, despite frequent attempts to shut them up. I get the feeling southern 'lads' like coming to the Highlands to get a bit large with it and show everyone they can do whatever they like, because it's their country. The Highland Scots hate them, but need their money. 

The ferry ride this morning was  the best of the trio in terms og wildlife. I got talking to several older Brithsh women, one wsho had bought her son up here as he was mad keen on wildlife. Their entire day was going to be spent on the ferry from Ullapool to Stornoway, and back. I can't blame them - we saw porpoises, dolphins, minke whales, and I think I got a new bird - Manx Shearwater. 

I did plenty this afternoon on Lewis, but I'll post about that some other time.