Burns suppers are on the menu

Oban is working up an appetite for Burns Night celebrations this weekend, writes Kathie Griffiths.

Although Oban Burns Club cancelled its annual event because of a shortage of organisers, there are still a number of other suppers going ahead in the area.

Oban Burns Club made the difficult decision to call off its men-only supper last year after more than 80 years. Difficulty in getting speakers to make the toasts had also become a problem for organisers.

The club had hoped a plea for help would save the January event but no-one came forward at a meeting to rally support. The club, one of Oban's last male bastions, had even offered to open up membership to women in the hope they could help save the day.

Chairman John MacLean said: 'It's not happening for this year but it might be revived for next year; I'm still hopeful for that.'

Anyone interested can contact Mr MacLean on 01631 565519.

Traditionally a Burns supper is a celebration of the life and poetry of the poet Robert Burns and is usually held on or near the poet's birthday, January 25.

'There are other suppers happening round Oban and we hope people will support them to keep the tradition going. I'm still hopeful our club will have one again next year,' added Mr MacLean.

Dunollie Museum, Castle and Ground has a Burns Supper Lunch on Saturday January 25 from 1-3pm with haggis, neeps and tatties on the menu. Go to dunollie.org/ events to find out more.

Home-Start Lorn had its annual fundraising Burns Supper at Cuan Mor on Sunday and Luing's Atlantic Island Centre is hosting an event at 6.30pm on the bard's official birthday, complete with Highland dancer. Call 01852 314096 to book.

The Bridge of Orchy Hotel is celebrating this Saturday with a Burns Night Supper and Ceilidh, go to bridgeoforchy. co.uk or call 01838 400208, while new head chef Michael Leathley at Port Appin's Pierhouse Hotel has created a special Burns menu on offer until this Sunday January 26, including a dram. To fund out more call 01631 730302.

Send in Burns Night celebration photographs to editor@ obantimes.co.uk