The Oban Times & WEST HIGHLAND TIMES

There

is no doubting the importance of community, and at the weekend the Oban community did its town proud as more than £13,000 was raised at this year’s sellout Ryan MacPhail memorial dinner.

According to Alan and Amanda MacPhail, who organise the annual event in memory of their son, the winning formula this year was down to the introduction of a raffle rather than the usual auction.

The speakers were no doubt a huge draw, too, with former Manchester United, Rangers and Northern Ireland star Jimmy Nicholl, the former Celtic and Scotland player Tosh McKinlay and John McKelvie, a retired policeman and football referee, taking part.

But praise must also go to the family and to their many helpers, including staff, as it is their determination and hard work that is the foundation on which the successful event has been built.

And without this effort many organisations and activities for the under-18s would be worse off, as money is given to youth football teams, shinty and rugby clubs, and for school trips, as well as given to help sick children. So a huge thanks to everyone involved.