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Each winter, volunteers spend two days stacking the creels around a central wooden frame, creating a tapering tower that resembles a traditional Christmas tree. Once in place, the structure is wrapped in strings of multi coloured lights and topped with a glowing crab shaped decoration a playful nod to the village’s fishing heritage. The annual switch on has become a cherished community event. Locals gather on the harbourfront as the Stornoway ferry sounds its horn, signalling the moment the tree bursts into colour against the dark Highland sky. For many in Ullapool, the creel tree is more than a festive ornament it is a symbol of community spirit, maritime tradition and the creativity of a village proud of its roots.
What is it and where
- The tree is located in the small coastal village Ullapool, in the Scottish Highlands.
- Instead of a typical spruce or fir, the tree is built from around 340 fishing creels traditional loaf shaped pots used for catching shellfish like crabs and langoustines.
- The idea came about about ten years ago when locals were looking for ways to brighten up the dark nights of winter. The suggestion was to celebrate the village’s fishing heritage by using fishing creels instead of a conventional tree.
- Initially they borrowed old creels but later, with lottery funding, volunteers were able to purchase their own set of creels for the tree.
- Building the tree takes about two full days, with volunteers doing the stacking and harbor staff providing heavy lifting equipment. The creels are arranged around a central timber frame, anchored on a disc shaped base, with weights to keep the structure stable especially important given the windy coastal conditions.
- Once constructed, they drape the entire assembly in festive, multi colored lights. On top sits a star but instead of a star, it’s a lit outline of a crab, a nod to the village’s shell fishing heritage.
It takes two full days to build with help from volunteers and the harbor provides us with lots of the equipment, said Gordon. The tree is constructed on a disc shaped base, with a timber frame running up through the center and heavy weights to keep everything secure vital in the often blustery Highland weather. We had a storm last week which caused a wee bit of damage, Gordon added. Once the frame is in place, the creels are stacked carefully around it before the entire structure is wrapped in multi colored Christmas lights. The final flourish is the star a glowing outline of a crab picked out in white lights, paying tribute to the village’s shell fishing traditions.