May-June 2026 – Another busy month with midsummer approaching

With the sun occasionally appearing through the rain, we’ve had another busy month at NACBS and Lochranza Country Inn.

Local resident Ethne Cumming initiated the installation of a commemorative plaque next to the grave, after an inquiry about the need for a historical account of the ‘Sailor’s Grave’ at Auchnamara. NACBS were happy to gather the funds that were kindly donated and we were thrilled that it has exceeded the amount needed. The plaque is now in place and surplus funds will be used for Sailor’s Grave projects. We would encourage anyone to go and visit the site.

The last of the winter work on the Inn was completed before the arrival of the summer season. New laundry facilities have been installed on the first floor and our old, creaking machines replaced, making the lives of our housekeeping staff easier. Fire doors have been repaired and replaced – you may have already seen the new door through to the bar. There’s always more to do though, and we are already planning the next phase of work this coming winter.

We are thrilled to announce that NACBS has been awarded funds from the Recovery and Resilience Fund. Funded by Foundation Scotland and administered by the Development Trusts Association Scotland, this means that we are able to fund Dan, our Development Officer, for the rest of the year, so he can continue his vital work in refurbishing the inn, keeping the charity ticking over and looking ahead to new projects.

Our team at the Inn has been building up. We welcome Tawny, George who has returned for the summer and Laise, also working away in the kitchen. They are already making a splash with exciting new dishes we can’t wait for everyone to try. And of course our old hands, Laurence and Peter are keeping everything going!

Events at the Inn are coming thick and fast. Mouth-watering langoustines, exciting new entries like Goat Cheese Bon Bons and old classics like the Sunday roast are certainly keeping the kitchen busy. Whenever you come to the Inn, there’s always a good chance of hearing music, with our open music sessions every Tuesday and performers on Saturdays. In May we had fan-favourite Scott Macdonald and the brilliant Craig Fulton from the Plain Craic-ers, with our very own Gavin Pritchard on cajon!

As always, many thanks not only to staff at the Inn, but to the management team who have kept it all going.