The heather on the hills is starting to change colour and as August begins, we are looking forward to the Glorious 12th. Our chefs are gearing up to treat our guests to local grouse as soon as it is available.
Don't forget we have the freshest seafood and a variety of other mouthwatering local delicacies on our regularly
updated menus.
Talking of glorious, we have had some wonderful sunny days over the last few weeks with clear blue skies and sparkling seas. There is still plenty of lush greenery and the views out over Loch Crinan are as stunning as ever. If you choose to dine in the Westward you may be lucky enough to be treated to a really spectacular sunset.
Also see below for a special discount deal for August if you book by the 8th of August.
If you need more information, please get in touch by phone or visit our website or click on the links in the footer of this message to join our social media world too!
Remember you will ALWAYS get the best rates by booking direct through our website.
We do hope you will visit soon - we will offer you a warm welcome and true Highland hospitality!
Frances Ryan and the Crinan Hotel Team
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| BROAR preparing to row across the Atlantic |
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The MacLean brothers, Jamie, Ewan and Lachlan who make up team BROAR, will be the first three brothers to row any ocean as they take on the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge this December.
Named the world's toughest row, the brothers will be taking on this challenge in order to raise £250,000 for their chosen charities, Children 1
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and Feedback Madagascar which is run by Frances Ryan's son-in-law Jamie Spencer.
The MacLean brothers will be at Crinan with their boat on Monday 5th August and hotel guests will get the chance to meet them and join in the party which will include a jazz band.
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| The Argyllshire Gathering - Oban Games |
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Festivals and events in Argyll and Kintyre
All sorts of events will be taking place near Crinan over the next few months. Here is a selection of just some of them.
Mid-Argyll Show (Lochgilphead - 10th August) The Mid-Argyll Agricultural Show is a major event held annually on the second Saturday in August. Hundreds of exhibitors enter competitions in Baking, Produce, Crafts, Flowers and Vegetables as well as the Dog and Livestock classes. A large crowd of spectators watch the judging of Cattle, Sheep, Dogs, Horses, Ponies and Poultry competitions. Other regular attractions are the display of vintage tractors and the delightful Pets section and the Gun Dog Scurry. More information on the event website.
The Argyllshire Gathering Oban Game
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(Oban - 22nd August) Piping, dancing and events like Tossing the Caber and the Scottish Hammer. Exhilarating, flamboyant and colourful, Highland gatherings provided an opportunity to renew clan contacts, declare loyalties and settle scores. However they were also politically significant with chiefs and chieftains meeting to discuss important issues of the day. Today, they enable the clans to get together to socialise and entertain their friends. More information on the event website.
Artmap Argyll (throughout Argyll - 23rd - 26th August) Argyll is an amazingly inspiring area full of interesting, creative and very skilled artists and crafts people. This is the twelfth year that our artists are opening their studios to art lovers. The locations of the studios stretch from spectacular Glencoe in the North to Campbeltown at the foot of Kintyre Peninsular in the South - Inveraray and it's castle in the East to the pretty coastal villages of Tayvallich and Crinan on the West coast. Work by Ross Ryan and Frances Macdonald (aka Frances Ryan) will be on display in the Crinan Hotel Gallery and the Coffee Shop. More information on the event website.
World Stone Skimming Championship 2019 (Easdale - 29th September) The World Stone Skimming Championship is held every year on the last Sunday in September on the beautiful island of Easdale near Oban. Easdale was once the centre of a thriving Scottish slate mining industry, and one of the disused quarries forms a perfect arena for the championships. Anyone of any age and any level of skill can enter. More information on the event website or via Wild about Argyll.
Ideas for other things to do in the area around Crinan can be found on the hotel's website: www.crinanhotel.com/en/activities-boat-trips/
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| Martin Treacher at the Dave Brubeck piano |
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Art and Music Weekends at Crinan
Martin Treacher (pianist, accordionist, piper) is a versatile musical entertainer who will join Frances Macdonald to host Crinan Hotel's exciting new Art and Music Weekends.
Since 2005 Martin has been full-time resident musical entertainer for the Carnegie Club at Skibo Castle in the Scottish Highlands, acknowledged as one of the world's finest clubs/hotels.
During the Art and Music Weekends, Martin will offer a classical recital, a Noel Coward Cabaret and selections of well-known and rare Scottish songs. He will pipe guests into dinner, provide some accordion in the bar, and at the end of the evening lead guests in a memorable sing-song around the piano.
And for any guests who have always wanted to play the piano, Martin can reveal some short cuts and have them playing a melody in no time at all!
Frances will give a painting demonstration and will be ready to answer questions about her work and offer tips to budding or aspiring artists.
There is just one weekend left in 2019:
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50 years at Crinan!
Nick and Frances Ryan were married on the 21st of February, 1970 and then arrived to start work at the Crinan Hotel on the 27th.
So from the 27th of February this year, Frances will be in her 50th year at the hotel. In order to celebrate this, every 50th booking to stay at the hotel throughout the year will receive a special bonus - these guests will each be invited to enjoy a complimentary glass of bubbly during their stay at the hotel!
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| MV Sgarbh in the Sound of Jura |
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Boat trips on MV Sgarbh
The
MV Sgarbh is a fully restored classic motor boat moored at Crinan right outside the hotel which overlooks the Crinan Canal, the gateway to the Atlantic and the islands.
The Sgarbh (gaelic for cormorant, the sea bird) was built in 1947 on the river Clyde near Glasgow by Adams of Gourock as a herring fishing boat. She retired from fishing in 1953 and then was beautifully fitted out below for cruising.
She is built of teak, fully varnished and completely original, the last of her type. Weighing over 20 tons and at 40 foot long she is solid and safe.
Charters can be tailored to suit your preferences with personalised itineraries. The boat is coded for up to 12 passengers during the day and 4 passengers for overnight charters. Fresh seafood and other local produce can be prepared by the hotel and served during your cruise.
The boat is run by Ross Ryan. Ross works as a full time artist. As well as painting, he has sailed all his life and holds a commercially endorsed Yachtmaster offshore ticket in both motor and sail.
Full or half day trips from Loch Crinan, visiting and passing the beautiful local islands perhaps with lunch ashore on the beach or aboard. The boat can start from inside the Crinan Canal which is fascinating.
Call or email the hotel to check availability or ring the skipper direct on 077 66 277 818 or email [email protected]
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| Heart of Argyll Wildlife Organisation |
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Argyll Beaver Centre
Tourist Information, Beaver Centre, Wildlife Walks & Events.
The Visitor centre is 5 minutes drive from Crinan. There are hands-on displays, a wildlife feeding station, children's activities, a gift shop, compost loo with baby-changing and disabled facilities and a car-park with access to walking trails.
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| Above Crinan Basin on the Crinan Canal |
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Bargain breaks at the Crinan Hotel
Special discount for late August 2019 if you book before August 8th. (while availability lasts)
25% off Classic Double and Superior Double/twin Rooms during August 2019
Selected dates only and you must book by 8th August to get this deal.
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