Day in the Life: case study

For most of us, 50 miles north of Inverness sounds like a reasonable definition of 'off the beaten track'. However, it's here, where the Scottish highlands meet the North Sea, that you'll find the village of Ullapool and the Seaforth Inn.

As the winner of the Seafood Pub of the Year and overall Pub of the Year titles at The Publican's Pub Food Awards 2006, you'd expect the pub to do a good line in locally sourced fish and seafood.

However, the Seaforth also has a thriving breakfast trade. This has been established for many years, reflecting the village's traditional industry - fishing. With boats docking early in the morning, hungry fisherman could hardly be expected to wait for traditional pub opening hours.

Seaforth owner Harry Macrae says: "We used to have a 6am licence, which was almost unique in Scotland." With tourism now the area's biggest income generator, the pub opens for breakfast at a more civilised 9am, offering the full fry-up or a selection of filled rolls such as bacon, egg or sausage.

This trade is helped by the Seaforth's award winning takeaway, the Chippy, which gives customers the chance to take their breakfast down to the harbour - weather permitting - to watch the boats go by, or to sit in the pub if they prefer.

The bacon, sausage and other ingredients served at breakfast are selected with as much care as anything which goes onto the main menu. "It's all sourced from local suppliers," says Harry. "We think it's just as important to offer good-quality food at breakfast."

Trading throughout the day undoubtedly helps the Seaforth reach a wider market. "We do see different customers at different times of day." says Harry.

With this in mind, the pub has also installed a coffee machine which has proved to be highly successful in extending the pub's offer.

"It shows how the trade is changing. A few years ago, if you'd asked for a coffee in a Scottish pub you'd have got a very funny look," adds Harry.