The Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2014

A few top tips for making the most of the capital of comedy at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this year...

Every year, hundreds upon thousands of people from all over the world head to Scotland's capital city for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Comedy royalty such as Michael McIntyre, Russell Howard and the cast of The Inbetweeners started at this very festival and have grown to become international superstars. Edinburgh is less that 2 hours away on the bus or train, so it's easy to make the most of the Edinburgh Fringe during your stay! You could be up and back within a day! This year, there are plenty of shows, stand up and entertainment to enjoy, so here are a few of our top tips...


Arrive Early
As we mentioned, there are fast and accessible links to Edinburgh from Oban, but we truly recommend that you make the most of your day and try to get there early. There are so many acts going on all day, every day - even in the morning! You'll thank us later.

Walk Around
Even without The Fringe, Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful cities in the entire world, so walk around and take it all in. However, with the Fringe, it is also one of the most exciting cities in the world too - walk around and explore hidden venues, live music and the fantastic street performers.

Free Fringe
There's plenty of free entertainment on the streets of Edinburgh during The Fringe (especially around The Royal Mile) but there are also loads of official Free Fringe events. This is where all of the greats started, so you might just see the first of many shows from the future of comedy greats.

For more information, visit the Edinburgh Fringe website, book online or follow on Facebook & Twitter

The Queens Baton Relay in Oban

Things are heating up for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, but first, the Queen's Baton Relay is making its way to Oban...

It's not long to go now until Glasgow welcomes the Commonwealth Games, and for the last month, the Queen's Baton has been making its way across the country. This Sunday, it's making its way around Argyll and Bute as follows: 

06:50 - Appin

07:55 - Benderloch

08:35 - Dunbeg

09:05 - Oban

11:10 - Kilmartin

11:25 - Dunadd (Fort)

11: 45 - Lochgilphead

14:00 - Furnace

14:20 - Inverary

16:05 - Strachur

16:55 - Sandbank

17:10 - Dunoon

When in Oban, the Baron will follow two routes - starting at McCaig's Tower at 9:08am and winding down through the back of the town along Lauren Road to Longsdale, to Atlantis Leisure by 9:42am. Then it will be taken to Corran Hills from where, at 10:13am, it will be carried along the Corran Esplanade to Stafford Street, Oban Distillery, George Street, Queen's Park Place, Combie Street and Soroba Road as far as the Birchwood Filling Station by 10:30am.

Oban's featured Baton Bearer is David Ferguson, an ex service man who is now the head janitor at Oban High School. In his spare time he goes above and beyond, voluntarily helping with the school’s shinty team, particularly in promoting and supporting those with special needs. David has many strings to his bow (literally), as he’s Scottish Champion for Archery and assists at the local Archery Club.

Will you be making your way to the Queen's Baton Relay?

Wains Wednesdays at The Barn Bar

Taking the family to Oban this summer? Kids eat free at The Barn Bar every Wednesday!

Our lodges and cottages are always very popular amongst families, because the self-catering options means that they can feed the family without having to spend too much money every night! However, it is nice to go out for something to eat sometimes and treat yourself. We always recommend that guests visit The Barn Bar - a great local establishment just a five minute walk from Lagnakeil.

They have a fantastic selection of delicious home-made meals and a fantastic kids menu with lots of variety. This summer, they are hosting "Wains' Wednesdays" where kids eat free when they dine with their parents on the Wednesday of every week! What could be better when having the family on holiday at Lagnakeil?!

Wains Wednesdays - Kids menu

Handmade Cheese Burger – served in a white bun with tomato and relish.

Small portion of Homemade Lasagne – served with a wee side salad.

Homemade Super Creamy Macaroni Cheese – served with a wee side salad.

Battered Fish – served with a portion of chips. 

Cheesey Tomato Pasta – a simple tomato Pasta topped with cheese – served with garlic bread.

Toad in the Hole – sausage in a Yorkshire pudding batter served with a portion of beans.

BAIRN BOLT ONS: Small portion of chips * Small portion of potatoes * 1 slice of garlic bread * Small portion of homemade coleslaw * Pile of garden peas * Portion of baked beans * Small side salad * Small portion of seasonal vegetables * slice of bread and butter

Read our interview with Linda from The Barn Bar