Stupendous steak pies

Sir, I would just like thank Alex Horn (long-time Tarbert resident) for his recent recommendation to us regarding our local butchers - Richard of Fergusson’s free-range ‘as close as you can get to organic’ chicken, to which we have only recently been converted.

‘Mouth-watering, brilliant and beautifully prepared’ are the least of the recommendations from Barmore. I do not, by any stretch of anyone’s imagination, demean or belittle the cooking/preparation/ presentation by ‘her indoors’, as this only adds to the sensation when the first forkful enters one’s mooth.

I understand from Richard that he is considering retirement.

This is due to his ‘extreme age’ but also his physical health. Long hours always on your feet has its strains and stresses. I would certainly miss him as and when the day dawns.

The chickens apart, what would Tarbert be like at Ne’erday without his steak pies? Bereft does not cover it.

I still recall, and frequently recount, our first venture into his establishment - at the end of a fairly long queue - to be met by the response ‘Did you order?’ from the staff. After that first tasting some 25 years ago, never again would we forget to order.

When the time comes we wish you a long and happy retirement, Richard. Ian Sanderson, Tarbert.