Summer Savings – Oban area!

My last post was all about the UK campaign to permanently reduce VAT on hospitality. Well this summer the UK government introduced a Summer Savings scheme which does cut VAT from 20% to 5% on family days out - from cinema and theatre tickets to attractions and children's meals out. Unfortunately, the scheme is not permanent - it runs until 1st September - and in rural Scotland the number of businesses that can participate is limited. The government's Summer Offers page doesn't show any...

VAT’s The Problem!

Hospitality is one of the UK’s greatest success stories. It employs millions of people, gives young people their first jobs, keeps high streets alive and brings communities together. But the sector is under enormous pressure. Rising energy costs. Food inflation. Huge employment costs. Unjust business rates. The highest tax burden in the UK economy. And on top of all of that — a 20% VAT rate that is among the highest in Europe. On 1 July, the hospitality industry is coming together to launch ‘VAT’s the...

June Food & Drink News

Cologin There's a few new food and drink experiences in and around Oban this summer which we are pleased to recommend to our guests. First, a personal favourite, and one you probably won't be able to replicate back home, a visit to an oyster farm. (Okay I admit I do know the owner Judith AKA 'The Oyster Lady'.) You will learn how these 'love them or loathe them' mollusks filter-feed in the saline water of Loch Creran. You'll get a...

Easter Frolics

After the sadness of losing Cologin's best canine ambassador - the legend that was Benji - it was a pleasure to see the Barn Bar lightening the mood with it's annual Easter celebrations. This year the weather decided to throw all 4 seasons into a single day and our guests battled through snow, hail, sunshine and April showers to join in the fun. Benji was no doubt looking on from above and our heartfelt thanks to everyone who took the time to share...

Annual Clan Gathering and Highland Cattle Sales

The 135th Annual Spring Show and Sale at United Auctions just up the road from Cologin starts tomorrow (Sunday 8th February). Oban is the home of the Highland Cattle Sales and buyers come from all over the world to add or start a fold as there are so many experienced breeders in attendance. It's a popular event and I'm sure it is just a coincidence that our annual family Clan gathering is also underway this weekend! Tonight we will celebrate another year as a...