George FinlaysonThe creel tree in Ullapool has become a tradition in the north of Scotland, and this year, locals kicked off the festive period in style – with a helping hand from a passing ferry.
The unique structure, made of more than 300 fishing creels and topped off with a shining crab, has been standing on the shores of Loch Broom every winter for eight years.
During that time, it achieved global fame and captured the attention of celebrities, including Harry Potter author JK Rowling, who labelled it “beautiful”.
It’s all the work of volunteers and local fishermen, who use the creels to catch crabs, lobsters and other crustaceans from nearby waters.
George FinlaysonIt was inspired by a trip to Maine, on the east coast of the US, where there is an annual festival of lights centred around a tree made of lobster traps.
Businesses say its newfound fame has brought eyes and attention to a part of the world which heavily relies on tourism.
Ahead of its eighth annual outing, locals gathered in the village on Friday for the big switch-on.
The Ullapool-Stornoway ferry honked its horn in celebration as the tree lit up, signalling a rousing start to the Christmas period for the Highlands.
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