WHO IS THIS?

Last weekend was a busy one for crafters and I’m pleased to say the bi-annual show of the Argyll Federation’s Scottish Women’s Institute was fantastic, with a great turnout and a fabulous array of crafts on display. Well done to everyone who contributed and to the local Cancer Research group for providing all the refreshments on the day, they kept everyone well fed and topped up with tea, coffee and soup.

Next week is going to be a busy week with two cruise ships calling in one day, thankfully not at the same time. On Tuesday we have the luxurious Silver Moon calling in the morning, and with 691 passengers and 408 crew there is the potential for almost 1,000 extra people in Oban, which is fantastic.

At 5.30pm we have an expedition ship called Ocean Atlantic arriving with 198 passengers and 140 crew so the bay will be busy. I do love seeing a busy bay with all shapes and sizes of sea-going vessels.

As of this weekend it is only a month until the Oban International Shanty Festival, which I’m getting really excited about. I think Oban is the perfect place for a Shanty Festival. With plans for concerts, workshops and music around the town and its pubs, it’s starting to take shape and I’m really looking forward to learning to play the bones, which sounds really intriguing. Tickets for the concerts and workshops are now available at obanshanty.org.uk and it’s well worth a wee look at what’s coming up. A programme of events will be available soon.

Last week’s photograph was of the lovely Debbie in The Lorne, the hostess with the mostess, while this week it’s the turn of a well-known local businessman.