by Vivien Martin
Ullapool, situated on the east shore of Loch Broom
2020 was to have been Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters. A yearlong programme of events celebrating water in all its forms: coasts, lochs, rivers, canals. A year to highlight the myriad ways water has shaped our history, our culture, our natural environment. Just think of all those islands, of the abundant natural larder our seas provide - water is even a vital ingredient in the creation of our national drink, whisky. Add to that the benefits of wave and tidal power and one way or another Scotland’s waters have played a huge part in shaping our way of life.