North West Highlands

On the 9th July 2016, Scotland’s first snorkel trail was launched at Ullapool Harbour as part of the Rotary Club of Ullapool’s summer festival. The North West Highlands snorkel trail was developed as part of the Trust’s Living Seas programme, supported by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.

Noel Hawkins, Living Seas Communities Officer at the time, said: “The snorkel trail will encourage more people to explore the fragile habitats below the waves and the marine life they support, whilst also helping to raise awareness of the need to protect them.”

Lizzie Bird, Instructor Trainer, British Sub Aqua Club said: “Lots of people might think it’s too cold to snorkel in Scotland but the colours and life under the surface in places like the north west coast are up there with the coral reefs you can find abroad.”

Fiona Hyslop MSP, who at the time was Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs said: “Scotland’s coast boasts some of the UK’s richest spots for marine wildlife, which is why nearly half of the visitors surveyed come to Scotland for our scenery and landscape. The snorkel trail is an innovative approach to marine and coastal planning that encourages use of existing infrastructure to help tourism diversification like this.”

The Trust is delighted that the Living Seas work programme supported the creation of Ullapool Sea Savers and are proud to champion the brilliant work of this inspiring group of young people.

The North West Highlands Snorkel Trail is our oldest snorkel trail and as such is being upgraded, please see our fundraising page to help us achieve this!