Merry fishmas: Highland village unveils 16ft creel Christmas tree

A Highland village has unveiled a 16ft fishing creel Christmas tree.

The tree, made from equipment used for catching shellfish, has become a tradition in Ullapool since it was first constructed in 2016.

Volunteers from the group Fire and Light came together to create the unique Christmas tree, which stands at 16ft and is made using around 400 fishing creels, usually used for catching prawns and crabs.

Standing atop of the tree, is a small light-up crab in place of a star.

The village was inspired to create the tree by the story of Mousehole, a small village in Cornwall that draws in thousands of visitors every year for its own winter lights displays.

Locals gathered to watch this year’s light switch on November 25, which signalled the start of the festive season.

The lights will remain on throughout December and over the New Year, with donation boxes available near the tree and in the village shops to give visitors and locals the chance to support the project.

Angela Ford, who is a member of Ullapool Fire & Light, said: “We started the village winter lights in 2015, so this is our 6th year.

“The Christmas tree is made of 340 prawn creels and lit with over 500 coloured LED lights.

“Against the backdrop of Loch Broom and the mountains beyond it truly is a fabulous and unusual sight and attracts thousands of visitors each year.

“We’ve been most grateful for funding from the National Lottery and all the help and assistance from the community of Ullapool.

“We welcome everyone to come and see the famous creel tree.”