National BBQ Week

Celebrating one of our favourite things about summer - it's National BBQ week...

Yesterday marked the beginning of National BBQ Week and we are more than willing to take part until June 1st (and for quite a while after that too!) Our lodges and cottages have their very own barbecues and outdoor furniture for warm evenings when you want to eat outside! As Lagnakeil is self-catering accommodation, we have scoured the internet for some of our favourite BBQ recipes...

Halloumi Kebabs with Thyme and Lemon Baste

2 medium courgettes

1 large red onion
250g low fat halloumi cheese, cut into 16 chunks
16 cherry tomatoes
For the lemon baste
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 tsp fresh thyme leaves (preferably lemon thyme)
1 tsp Dijon mustard
pitta bread, to serve

Whisky Glaze Spare Ribs with BBQ Sauce

Pork Spare Ribs

THE RUB:

2tbsp smoked paprika
1tbsp cumin
½tbsp ground cardamom
1½tbsp ground pepper
1tbsp salt

WHISKY & COKE BBQ SAUCE:
250ml brown sauce
250ml cola
125ml whisky (We recommend Oban 14 year!)
2tbsp Cajun spice mix
4tbsp honey
2tbsp soy sauce

Marinated Fish Kebabs

500 g monkfish tail (or cod or haddock), from sustainable sources, ask your fishmonger, trimmed of all skin and bone and cut into 2.5cm cubes (Oban is known for its amazing seafood!)
6-8 skewers or sticks fresh rosemary, lower leaves removed, tips kept on
255 g new potatoes, boiled, halved

FOR THE MARINADE
2 thumb-sized pieces fresh ginger, thinly sliced
juice and zest of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon turmeric
2 cloves garlic
2 dried chillies, crumbled
1 handful fresh mint
4 tablespoons natural yoghurt

Grilled Peaches With Grappa (One for the Grown-Ups)

4 large white peaches
1 vanilla pod
4 tsp caster sugar
3½ fl oz/100ml grappa or brandy

For more information on our self-catering accommodation, please contact colin@lagnakeil.co.uk

Holidays in the UK

Passports, Airport queues, delayed flights - who needs them? Here is why you should consider holidaying in the UK...

Do you remember all the fun holidays you had when you were younger? Days by the beach, picnics in the park and playing a game of football with kids that you had never even met. There's nothing quite like a holiday in the UK. Don't get us wrong, going abroad it great and you're almost always guaranteed the good weather, but here we have put together some of the benefits of spending your summer in Great Britain...

1. No fuss: When you go abroad, you need to think of passports, flights, transfers to the hotel, currency conversions, and even visas (if you're looking to go to the US) the list goes on and on. There will be none of that hassle with a holiday in the UK.

2. Things to do: There's loads to do here in Britain! Is it any wonder hundreds of thousands of tourists flock to the UK every year?A lot of these fun attractions are also free!

3. See the Sights: Sometimes we forget just how lucky we are. Scotland is truly one of the most beautiful places on Earth, and for a lot of people, they have never seen anything like it. Truth be told, the views from Oban still take our breath away.

4. Hospitality: Especially in Oban, we are known for our lively local scene and friendly atmosphere. Here at Lagnakeil, our lodges and cottages are suitable for large groups and families (Even the pets!) 

If you would like to create memories, support local business and spend your summer holiday at Lagnakeil, please get in touch colin@lagnakeil.co.uk

International Day of Families

A few ideas of fun things to do with all the family in Oban...

Family is the most important thing and as you get older, you realise how important it is to spend time with your loved ones. We remember summer holidays being full of fun days out rather than hours and hours infront of an Xbox or computer screen. Making the most of your time together and creating memories is what summer should be all about. Here are a few fun activities to do with all the family in Oban...

A Day at the Beach

Argyll boasts some of the finest beaches in Scotland, and most of them are only a short distance from Lagnakeil. Build sandcastles, dip your toes in the clear Scottish water, run around with a frisby and of course, take a picnic! A day at the beach makes a fun day out for all.

On Your Bike

Whether you bring your own, or hire a bike right here in Oban, there are some great routes for all levels. Whether you want to cycle along picturesque Oban bay or get the adrenaline pumping with something a little more adventurous, it's a great way of keeping active!

Take to the Seas

Oban is known as the "Gateway to the Isles" and there are frequent trips to the likes of Mull & Iona, Coll and Tiree. Only a short ride on the ferry and there are plenty of things to explore!

Our lodges can sleep from 2 - 6 people and our cottages up to 12 for big family reunions! All accommodation features a fully equipped kitchen for self-catering as well as power showers, wifi and a BBQ. Everything you need for a great summer break with all of the family!

For more information on the Lagnakeil lodges and cottages, please get in touch colin@lagnakeil.co.uk

Homecoming Scotland 2014 Whisky Month: The Oban Distillery

In celebration of May as the official Homecoming Scotland Whisky Month, we introduce you to the gem of our town – the Oban Distillery…

When you think of Scotland, whisky is always something that appears in your mind – it’s known worldwide as “Scotch” for a reason, you know! You can always tell if your whisky is from Scotland when it is spelled just so – without the “e” before the “y”. This year, Homecoming Scotland is celebrating all things unique about our wonderful country and dedicating an entire month to our national drink (Irn Bru month doesn’t quite have the same ring to it)

Over the last few years, whisky tours have become more and more popular – particularly after the release of Scottish movie “The Angels Share”. Oban is renowned for its whisky and the distillery is an incredibly popular attraction for locals and tourists alike. Spend the day learning all about the lengthy process of creating each and every bottle of Oban Whisky, learn more of its history and even try a few samples of your own (please note: whisky tasting takes place after the tour for obvious reasons!) Included in the price is the tour, a few drams and an etched Oban Distillery glass to take home as a keepsake.

 As mentioned, the Oban Distillery is incredibly popular so we strongly advise that anyone wishing to go on the tour books in advance. Part of the Oban Distillery experience is the fact that visitors are in small groups in order to get the most from the tour. Previously, visitors have been turned away due to over-capacity, so we strongly recommend that you book as soon as possible to secure your place and avoid disappointment. For anyone coming to Oban, the distillery is a must-see!

Visit our website for more ideas on things to do in Oban.

Local & Community History Month - Argyll Castles

May marks Local & Community History Month and we have selected a list of must-visit castles in Argyll...

Scotland is full of history and Argyll is particularly known for historical landmarks: From tales of clans, battle and castles, it remains a hot spot for tourists and Scottish historians alike. Here are a few of our must-visit castles in Argyll...

Barcaldine Castle
Barcaldine Castle was built in the beginning of the 17th Century by Sir Duncan Campbell and it's known as the Black Castle of Benderloch. It was abandoned in 1735 before being restored by the Campbell family in 1896, with generations still living there today.

Duart Castle
Duart Castle, situated on the Isle of Mull, was built in the 13th century and is known as the seat of the Clan MacLean. It was attacked in 1647 by the Argyll troops of Campbell and attacked again in 1653 when Oliver Cromwell sent 6 ships to capture the Chief Clansman of MacLean. In 1911 it was bought over by Sit Fitzroy Donald MacLean and has since been restored. It is famously known for being a location in the Hollywood movie Entrapment starring Sean Connery and Catherine Zita Jones.

Glengorm Castle
Situated just north of Tobermorey, Glengorm Castle is infamously known for housing James Forsyth, the laird responsible for overseeing the Dervaig Clearances, which forced hundreds of people out of their homes. Today it is owned by artist Janet Nelson and houses an art gallery, café and farm shop for visitors.

What are your must-visit local landmarks in Scotland?