Ulluminate in collaboration with Ullapool’s cinema club Real To Reel are delighted to be hosting a screening of SCOTLAND: The Big Picture’s brand new feature-length documentary, Why Not Scotland? as a thought provoking end to the first Ulluminate Festival of science, arts and culture.

As we stand at a vital crossroads in the future of our land and seas, Why Not Scotland? explores the Scottish landscape through the eyes of Flo, a young Scot from Glasgow. Seeing the depleted state of nature across her own country, Flo feels dispirited and, like many of her generation, increasingly fearful about an uncertain future.

However, on a journey around Europe, Flo encounters a different story, finding places where nature is making a dramatic comeback, revitalising human communities. Encouraged by these stories of hope and renewal, she is prompted to wonder: if this is possible elsewhere, then why not Scotland?

Watch the Why Not Scotland? trailer here.

Join us afterwards for a discussion.

To celebrate the 150th anniversary of the construction of the suspension bridge at Corrieshalloch Gorge by Sir John Fowler, Ulluminate is working with National Trust Scotland to present a special event. Sir John Fowler lived at Braemore House and originally owned the gorge site. He experimented with bridge and tunnel designs locally (still to be seen today) in his preparations to design Edinburgh’s Forth Bridge and engineering London’s first underground line.

Join us at Corrieshalloch Gorge visitor centre for a free guided walk to the bridge describing the cultural landscape of the Fowler family and about John Calder who bought Braemore from the Fowlers and gifted the gorge site to the nation via National Trust Scotland.

Start at: 1.30pm at carpark 2 located here

The walk will last an hour and visitors can then explore the new and old paths to experience the precipitous Falls of Measach and other views of this incredible natural feature of our local landscape.

• There will be an arts and crafts drop-in session at the visitor centre during the day with activities around how bridges work as a structure. 

• Car parking is free for NTS members; or by donation at the ticket machines

• The café will be open as usual for the purchase of food and drink.

There are good paths that go up and down at Corrieshalloch Gorge but wear good shoes and look after children and dogs. Those with vertigo should be aware that there are steep views.

This event is free but please obtain a ticket to give us an idea of numbers.

This guided walk around the Knockan Crag trail within the National Nature Reserve will explore the world class geology of the North West Highlands UNESCO Global Geopark and the story it has to tell of the ancient earth.

It will also consider the scientific controversy that existed throughout the second half of the 19th century, which  eventually culminated in the overturn of a long held interpretation of the structure, from the geological establishment. 

If the weather is suitable there will be an opportunity to walk the full trail, which includes some steep steps, narrow paths and wonderful views.

Stout footwear and waterproof clothing will be necessary.

Meet at the Macphail Centre in Ullapool at 1pm. Where possible, we will try to share lifts but please be prepared to drive yourself too.

Knockan Crag coordinates are: 58.049210, -5.030210

Ullapool Sea Savers is an award-winning group of young people who are passionate about protecting their local marine environment.

As part of a collaborative event between Ulluminate and Lugger Fest they will be casting an eye (and net!) into our local seas as they look for plankton at Ullapool Harbour. We’ will examine specimens under a microscope and identify some of the smallest but incredibly important life on the planet.

The event will take place on Shore Quay, Ullapool, further details to follow

Free and open to all but please can young ones be accompanied by an adult.

The West Edge is an inspirational off-grid forest croft in Leckmelm Forest just outside Ullapool. Its custodian Em Magenta, an ecologist, and her family have much to share about living with nature. They have organised an incredible family day out starting with an optional walk from Ullapool or meet at The West Edge.

11am Optional Guided Walk from Corrie Farm along the Drove Road to the West Edge with Bernard Planterose, Ecologist & Author (up to 30 people)

11.30am - 4.30pm at The West Edge 

• Firing up the Earth Oven

• Bushcraft Firelighting with Woodlander, Sam Planterose (up to 12 people actively involved)

• Make your own Pizza with Tiril & Dorian (up to 40 people)

• Ancient Celtic Wisdom with Joany TreeHeart, Shamanic Teacher & Practitioner (up to 15 people)

• Gypsy Jazz live music

• Intro to Somatic Sound Workshop (up to 5 people)

• Explore the Edible Forest Garden

• Working Horse (Timber), ducks, chickens & super friendly dog (Cali)

• Sheltered Spaces to rest

• Hot drinks & Refreshments

• Compost Toilet

Donations to help pay for the event are invited in cash on the day.

Dancers from the flagship contemporary dance company Scottish Dance Theatre will be joining Ulluminate’s explorations of science offering a unique opportunity to understand bird migration.. Challenging both mind and body, the workshop will bring us closer to noticing, querying and appreciating the physical, intuitive, sensory beauty of bird behaviour.

The workshop brings to Ullapool elements of dance conceived by internationally acclaimed choreographer Roser Lopez Espinosa. There will be a live performance of The Flock at Eden Court in Inverness on 3 September 2024.

This event is open to dancers only aged 10+ .Please wear suitable soft and comfortable clothing. 

Watch a trailer of Roser Lopez Espinosa talking about The Flock here.