The Ceilidh Place

As the autumn progressed there were more musicians and entertainers coming into the West Highlands - many of them sponsored by the Highlands and Islands Arts Board. Sometimes a band would come out to Coigach and play at the village hall, but more often they would go to what had become our favorite Ullapool haunt, the Ceilidh Place. It was a wonderful place for us - it had everything: hotel, pub, restaurant (where they played classical music tapes), bookstore and performance space. It was owned by Robert (of acting fame) and Jean Urqhart - lovely, friendly people who always made us feel welcome. The place was cozily traditional - and the food was the best. It was always a treat to go there.

We saw several plays at the Ceilidh Place, and musicians from the Scottish National Orchestra played there several times during the years that we lived in Coigach. It was the first time I became aware of the wonderful horn player, Barry Tuckwell. I feel privileged to have heard him play in such an intimate venue. They also had a folk club - a smaller space for local and traveling folk musicians to come and play together. It was altogether a haven for us - good restaurant food and entertainment being in rather short supply in that part of the country.

Now although Robert is no longer with us, his wife, Jean, is still the hostess and the Ceilidh Place is still going strong - and if you visit Ullapool be sure to drop in - you're bound to find something to please your fancy.