Valentines Day Ideas

It’s official - Valentine’s Day is less than 3 weeks away. For some people, waiting until the 13^th of February is standard, but who wants to be in a busy shop fighting over the last personalised chocolate teddy bear? No thank you. The truth of the matter is, sometimes people can become bored of the usual charade: There are only so many hours in a crowded restaurant one can take.

 

 

Here at Lagnakeil, we believe that the key to romance is spending time together. No cheesy gimmicks, no stuffy cinemas – just time away from the usual hustle and bustle in beautiful surroundings with your loved one. Go for long walks and enjoy a romantic meal in one of the amazing restaurants that Oban has to offer. Prefer to sit alone? Each lodge has a fully equipped kitchen, so you can wow your loved one with a home cooked meal over breath-taking views of the loch.

 

Of course, Valentine’s Day can also be a time for tears and tissues, but there’s no need to be sad about being single! Why don’t you have a weekend away with your friends instead? Our lodges and cottages can cater for groups of 4 up to 12 people! So whether you want to have a break with friends or perhaps some time with the family, we have a variety of options to cater for the perfect February weekend away.

 

Need some more information? Please have a look at our website: http://www.lagnakeil.co.uk/

 

Robert Burns Day

As you may have noticed, we’re very proud of our Scottish heritage. In fact, we say it’s our biggest selling point. The fact of the matter is - people love Scotland: The world loves Scotland! Why wouldn’t they? So when there’s ever an excuse to celebrate our Scottish roots, we’re more than happy to shove on our tartan troos and have a right good knees-up. This Saturday marks a date circled in every Scot’s calendar, Robert Burns day. For those of you who may not be familiar with good ol’ Rabbie Burns, he is Scotland’s national poet and the people’s pride and joy.

 

Born in 1759, Robert Burns went on to become a cultural icon for Scotland, writing well known favourites such as “To a Mouse”, “A Toast to the Lassies” and most famously “Auld Lang Syne” – what would Hogmanay be without Auld Lang Syne?! Every year on Burn’s birthday - the 25^th of January – us Scots celebrate in style with a few cultural traditions which some people may find strange! First, we pipe in the haggis and then cut it with a sword (the kitchen knife will do if you don’t happen to have a sword at hand) then we recite a poem…

 

Address to a Haggis

Fair fa' your honest, sonsie face,
Great chieftain o the puddin'-race!
Aboon them a' ye tak your place,
Painch, tripe, or thairm:
Weel are ye worthy o' a grace
As lang's my arm.

The groaning trencher there ye fill,
Your hurdies like a distant hill,
Your pin wad help to mend a mill
In time o need,
While thro your pores the dews distil
Like amber bead.

His knife see rustic Labour dight,
An cut you up wi ready slight,
Trenching your gushing entrails bright,
Like onie ditch;
And then, O what a glorious sight,
Warm-reekin, rich!

Then, horn for horn, they stretch an strive:
Deil tak the hindmost, on they drive,
Till a' their weel-swall'd kytes belyve
Are bent like drums;
The auld Guidman, maist like to rive,
'Bethankit' hums.

Is there that owre his French ragout,
Or olio that wad staw a sow,
Or fricassee wad mak her spew
Wi perfect scunner,
Looks down wi sneering, scornfu view
On sic a dinner?

Poor devil! see him owre his trash,
As feckless as a wither'd rash,
His spindle shank a guid whip-lash,
His nieve a nit;
Thro bloody flood or field to dash,
O how unfit!

But mark the Rustic, haggis-fed,
The trembling earth resounds his tread,
Clap in his walie nieve a blade,
He'll make it whissle;
An legs an arms, an heads will sned,
Like taps o thrissle.

Ye Pow'rs, wha mak mankind your care,
And dish them out their bill o fare,
Auld Scotland wants nae skinking ware
That jaups in luggies:
But, if ye wish her grateful prayer,
Gie her a Haggis

 

It has always been a bit of Scottish myth – what exactly is haggis? We’ve have a fair few laughs of people describing tartan haggis jumping around the fields of the highlands (take it from us, they don’t exist!) To be honest, we don’t know exactly what is in haggis and truth be told, we don’t necessarily want to. The trick is to not think too much and just enjoy the taste – it’s actually very nice! After you’ve filled your boots, it’s customary to have a wee dram and sing your heart out to a few Scottish songs! Here’s to you Rabbie Burns!

 

Would you like to visit the homeland of Robert Burns? Make sure to have a look on our website for details: http://www.lagnakeil.co.uk/

Lagnakeil - Pet Friendly

Who doesn’t love animals, right? Whether they’re big and fluffy, soft and cuddly or covered in scales, there’s no denying our pets become a part of the family. For that reason, we know how difficult it can be to leave them at home – not to mention the hassle of arranging a kennel or staying with a family member or friend (they might have other pets, work commitments or no time) so what should you do?

 

Here at Lagnakeil, we are proud to be Pet Friendly accommodation. No need for kennels or hassle, just bring them along to enjoy the open air. Your dog can run around in the grass with no worries about busy roads and danger. That is, given you have a dog, of course? If you have a cat, lizard or budgie – they’re welcome to come along too (just as long as there are no pet poisonous snakes or anything!)

 

Around Lagnakeil, there are plenty of routes to take your dog for a walk, including low walks at the canal, or munro bagging mountain walks up to 3000ft high for those of you who like a challenge. Is your pet more of a house-pet? Sit in front of a cosy fire and watch T.V – you’ll be glad that they came along for the holiday too. Of course, we ask that visitors take responsibility for their furry friends and ensure that they don’t abuse the soft furnishings, indoor or outdoor spaces of the cottages – we would like to continue offering pet friendly accommodation, but can only do so if everyone is respectful of the area.

 

If you would like to find out more information, please do get in touch and we can let you know the options that would be best suited for you and your guests: info@lagnakeil.co.uk

West Coast Cottages

Lagnakeil – West Coast Cottages We just realised that we haven’t yet introduced you to our sister company, West Coast Cottages. Here at Lagnakeil, we specialise in lodges for smaller groups (up to 6 at most) but West Coast Cottages can sleep up to over 12 people, so they’re perfect for family gatherings or parties for larger groups. The cottages are set in the stunning setting of Lerags Glen, with unrivalled views of the glen and loch Feochan, or North Connel, a small village 5 miles north of Oban with superb views of Loch Etive – so it’s like your own little highland getaway.

Each cottage is fully equipped with kitchen amenities (including dishwasher) and a BBQ outside for those warm nights. If you don’t feel like cooking, there’s a local pub only a short walk away serving great home cooked meals and lively music on Sunday afternoons. Want to sit in and relax? Curl up in front of the fire and watch T.V (We have Sky FreeSat channel T.V. or Freeview with DVD is now available in all our properties.)

For couples, we offer a 10% low occupancy discount out of peak periods, and it’s the perfect place to get away from it all and recharge (Valentine’s Day isn’t too far away!) For families, West Coast Cottages is a great way for the kids to put down the Xbox and go outside for some fresh air. Go on a family adventure and walk around – or even cycle? Bring the dog along too, we’re pet friendly! Why should they miss out on all the fun?

If you have any questions about any of our lodges or cottages, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’d be more than happy to help you create the perfect break away.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! After all the anticipation, Hogmanay finally arrived and we celebrated just as we said we would in our Hogmanay in Oban post: The fireworks at Oban bay were spectacular and we could see them in all their glory from the comfort of our lodges. Now, isn’t that the perfect way to bring in the New Year?

 

As a bit of an extended Christmas present, we’re continuing our 3 for 2 offer into early 2014! Picture this – a crisp frosty day, beautiful Scottish scenery and the comfort of a luxurious lodge with a nice cup of hot chocolate. It’s the perfect Winter break to sit back and relax after the festive rush. Not to mention, Valentine’s Day isn’t that far away you know? Better to be prepared than running around last minute in a store, wrestling for the last bunch of red roses.

 

Oban in Winter is a great place to go – the mix of a town community at the bay, and the calming, serene surroundings of Lagnakeil, means you’re able to get the balance just right to create a memorable trip away. Whether you like taking photos of wildlife, kayaking or dancing the night way, there are plenty of things to do that will keep you busy. Prefer to soak up the atmosphere? There are some amazing restaurants and bars boasting the finest local produce. Make sure to sample some seafood while you’re here, it’s the best you’ll ever taste! Most importantly, make sure to enjoy your time while you’re here. Oban is like a little escape from your hectic schedule, so turn off your phone, forget about work and simply make the most of each other’s’ company.

 

Sound ideal? Click here to book online: www.lagnakeil.co.uk

 

Here’s to a happy and healthy New Year from everyone here at Lagnakeil.