Coastal Village Illuminates Festive Spirit with Unique Fishing Creel Christmas Tree

Ullapool, a picturesque fishing village nestled in the Scottish Highlands, is once again captivating residents and visitors with its distinctive Christmas tree, constructed entirely from hundreds of fishing creels. Standing an impressive 30 feet (9 meters) tall, this vibrant display heralds the festive season, transforming the traditional lobster and langoustine pots into a beacon of community spirit.

The annual spectacle, now in its tenth year, is meticulously organized by the local community group, Ullapool Fire and Light Fund. Millenium TV has learned that these loaf-shaped pots, typically submerged in coastal waters to capture shellfish, are repurposed to create a truly unique winter highlight, adorned with a dazzling array of colorful lights.

Gordon Wink, a dedicated volunteer involved in the project, recounted the origins of this cherished tradition. The idea sparked from local resident Robert Hicks, who sought to “brighten up the dark nights” during the winter months. Hicks, known for organizing the Loopallu music festival for 15 years until its conclusion in 2019, envisioned a display that would honor Ullapool’s rich fishing heritage.

Initially, volunteers relied on borrowed equipment and creels to bring the vision to life. However, a significant lottery grant enabled the acquisition of 340 dedicated creels, ensuring the project’s long-term sustainability. Wink explained that assembling the towering structure is a two-day endeavor, requiring the collective effort of numerous volunteers and substantial support from the local harbor, which provides essential equipment.

The tree is anchored to a robust disc-shaped base, featuring a central timber frame and strategic weights to withstand the often-challenging Highland winds. Once the creels are meticulously stacked, the entire form is draped with multi-coloured Christmas lights. The crowning touch is a luminous crab outline, serving as the tree’s distinctive “star.”

A particularly charming element of the event is the official switch-on ceremony, utilizing the village’s maritime connections. The CalMac ferry, traversing the route between Ullapool and Stornoway, signals the moment by sounding its horn three times, after which the tree instantly illuminates. “When the lights are first turned on, the effect is quite striking,” Wink stated, highlighting the moment’s magic. The ceremony draws hundreds, with one devoted individual reportedly traveling 500 miles from southern England each year to witness the spectacle.

Ullapool is not alone in this innovative festive display, as Oban in Argyll also constructs a creel tree as part of its winter festival.