Welsh Highlights Ullapool's Vital Role as Gateway to the Outer Hebrides

Steve Welsh visited Ullapool to meet with CalMac ferry users, local businesses, and community representatives, highlighting the port's essential role as the gateway between the Scottish mainland and the Outer Hebrides via the Stornoway service. Ullapool's CalMac terminal handles tens of thousands of passengers annually on the crossing to Stornoway, Lewis — one of the busiest island routes in Scotland — making it a critical piece of infrastructure for communities on both sides of The Minch. 'Ullapool is one of the great meeting points of the Highlands — between the mainland and the islands, between tourism and working community, between road and sea,' said Mr Welsh. 'Its ferry terminal and its role as a gateway must be supported with consistent investment and a ferry service that communities can rely on.' He raised concerns about the reliability of the Stornoway-Ullapool crossing, noting that weather disruptions and vessel availability issues have caused significant problems for island residents and businesses. He called for investment in vessel maintenance and a clear service reliability standard for CalMac routes operating from Ullapool. He also praised Ullapool's tourism and hospitality sector, calling for investment in visitor infrastructure to help the town maximise the economic benefits of its growing popularity as a destination.