Family Farewells!

I've just waved goodbye to mum, dad, my big brother and his wife Hil, who have been up visiting from 'down south'. Mum could not get over how 'green' everything was up here - sunshine and showers make ideal growing conditions! Enjoyed a final meal out (superb fish and shellfish) in Oban last night at Eeusk - fabulous. Alan and Calum made us very welcome and we were thoroughly spoilt. It was extremely busy so a note to our customers - book in advance as it would be a great shame to miss this restaurant off your itinerary when in Oban.

Taynuilt Gaelic Choir Sings at Lerags

Liam Griffiths (our neighbour in Lerags Glen) was approached by Taynuilt Gaelic Choir for permission to allow them to sing "for funds" in the Kilbride Kirkyard. Naturally, he agreed to help.  This is his report of the experience:
"What an uplifting experience. Since at least the 12th century, a sacred building on this site has echoed to the voices of the Irish missionaries and their followers, St Ninian, Mungo, Columba, Moluag, Modan and the rest.

It has been the place of worship for the Roman Mass. It is mentioned in state documents by Alexander 2nd, King of Scotland.

Post reformation, it likely reverberated to the blood and thunder preaching of Mr Cambell, Church of Scotland minister for many years, who said he would close every public house in Argyll if he had his way" except the one in Lerags, for Kilbride Kirk is too cold and damp to dare use to baptise a new born babe!" and it was the cause of the Lerags sept of the McCallum clan being cursed by the MacDougalls, and as a result the MacCallum's diaspora was scattered throughout the globe, but not a one was left in Lerags, (though I am a collateral relative of the MacCallums.)

And today, Taynuilt Gaelic choir re-awakened the musical heart of the old church with the Gaelic song - Welcome home the fisherman."

Liam is happy for visitors to Cologin to take a look around this beautiful and historic graveyard which he maintains - but it is on private ground so do please respect his privacy.