Muirneag na Mara is bringing Ullapool’s herring heritage back to life through the recreation of SV Muirneag, a traditional Class One Zulu sailing herring boat. Working with the local community, we will preserve the stories, skills, music and Gaelic of the herring fleet, passing this rich heritage on to future generations.
Ullapool was founded as a herring port, yet little of that history is visible in the village today. The herring fleet shaped local livelihoods, family life, music and culture around Loch Broom. Muirneag na Mara will work with the community to uncover, preserve and share these stories, bringing the heritage of the herring years back into everyday life.
Muirneag na Mara is a registered Scottish charity (SCIO) established to rebuild and care for the historic 80ft (24m) sailing vessel, the SV Muirneag - a traditional herring lugger whose name means Darling Girl in Gaelic. Once recreated, she will be the only seaworthy Class One Zulu remaining in the world.
This will be the largest wooden boat build undertaken in Scotland in decades. It restores a vital link to our fishing and sailing traditions while actively strengthening the nation’s traditional skill base including wooden boatbuilding, sailmaking, ropework, and spar crafting — many of which are now listed on the UNESCO-recognised Red List of Endangered Crafts (2023).
By supporting this project, you are helping to ensure these time-honoured skills are not lost but passed on, celebrated, and kept alive for future generations.
Uncovering and sharing the stories, memories, skills, music and Gaelic of the herring communities, helping bring an important part of Ullapool's history back into public view.
Building SV Muirneag using traditional boatbuilding methods, creating opportunities for apprentices to learn alongside experienced craftspeople and helping keep endangered maritime skills alive.
Delivering unforgettable voyages where participants learn teamwork, navigation, and seamanship aboard a historic vessel, with opportunities to represent Scotland in international Tall Ship events.
Equipping Muirneag with a working laboratory to support community-led marine research, environmental monitoring and partnerships with schools and scientists.
Bringing people closer to Scotland’s maritime story through educational programs, cultural events and shared experiences aboard a living piece of nautical history.
Stay up to date with project developments, progress and future community events and activities. We aim to send this communication monthly to all our supporters.
May 22nd–24th| Ullapool
Luggerfest returns to Shore Quay, Shore Street and Lochbroom, bringing together a fleet of local and visiting traditional boats for a celebration of sailing, heritage and community.
Across the weekend, you can expect a lively mix of racing on the water, a parade of sail, live music, talks, food, dancing, and hands-on maritime activities with plenty of teas and cakes along the way!Experience Muirneag up close at this year’s Luggerfest.
Explore the build, meet the team, and hear from lead shipwright Tim Loftus as he shares the story behind the project.
Enjoy a full weekend of sailing, racing, music and maritime culture and even step aboard a traditional Zulu boat for a taste of what Muirneag will become.
We’re seeking support to fund the £1.8 million needed for the three-year build phase of the SV Muirneag in Ullapool.
We are working to raise the £1.8 million needed to build SV Muirneag in Ullapool over three years.
Your support will help bring Ullapool's herring heritage back into public view, preserve traditional boatbuilding skills and create opportunities for young people across the north-west Highlands.
By supporting the project, you can help create a lasting community asset that connects Scotland's maritime past with its future.
We are grateful to the following organisations for their significant support.
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Fundraising Update: Building Momentum for Muirneag
Read ArticleSep 30, 2026
Muirneag Na Mara has received an £80,000 donation from the Swires Foundation as fundraising efforts continue. Discover the latest progress with funding applications, our Crowdfunder campaign, and new ways to support the project through direct donations and future pledges.
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Sharing the Muirneag Story Through New Exhibitions
Read ArticleMay 2, 2026
Muirneag Na Mara has developed new informational display boards to share the vision behind the Muirneag Project with a wider audience. With a large-format display planned for Luggerfest Ullapool, we’re also inviting museums, galleries and local venues to host an exhibition and help spread the word.
We are delighted to welcome Sir Andrew Cubie and Chris Smith as Patrons
Read ArticleFeb 27, 2026
Meet the patrons supporting Muirneag Na Mara, whose experience, guidance and advocacy are helping shape the charity’s vision and build the foundations for bringing this ambitious tall ship project to life.
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