Latest news with #Oban-based
Press and Journal
5 hours ago
- Business
- Press and Journal
From designer dresses to dazzling hatinators - Oban's glam new fashion haven
Forget digging through rails of fast fashion – a glamorous new boutique in the heart of Oban is serving up pre-loved fashion with a five-star twist. Time and Again Boutique, which opened this week at 4 MacGregor Court, opposite The Royal Hotel, is the creation of local businesswoman Jackie Kerr – and it's been two years in the planning. Inside, you'll find designer labels, quality occasionwear, handbags that make you stop and stare… and yes, even the odd hatinator for that perfect wedding or race day look. She even stocks shoes that are nearly always brand new or only worn once. 'It's not just a shop, it's an experience,' Jackie said. 'I wanted to create somewhere people feel special the moment they walk in.' Jackie has been working on the concept and upmarket design for two years, aiming to give customers and sellers alike a five-star experience. 'I wanted to do something a bit different,' she said. 'This is more than selling clothes – it's about creating a space where people feel special and where quality items get the showcase they deserve.' The shop works on a clothing agency model: people bring in high-quality new or almost-new garments, and the boutique sells them on their behalf to maximise returns. Jackie says most items are either unworn or have been worn 'very carefully' once. 'We're not selling fast fashion,' she said. 'These are special pieces that last – dresses for weddings or occasions, beautiful handbags, quality coats. And by buying here, you're not adding to the fast-fashion burden.' She is even considering bridal wear if the right items are offered to the agency. Demand from sellers has been so high that Jackie has temporarily paused accepting new stock. She asks anyone interested in selling to send her photos first via Facebook, adding that she prefers items with labels still on or that have been worn very sparingly. Tourists and locals have already been through the doors, many impressed by the boutique's decor and attention to detail. 'When people walk in, they're blown away,' Jackie said. 'They feel like they've arrived somewhere special.' Customer service is central to Jackie's approach. Before moving to Oban a decade ago, she ran a specialist teddy bear shop in Helensburgh and before that worked as a training manager for the Automobile Association. 'I know how important it is to make people feel looked after,' she said. The agency is open Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 5pm and on Saturdays until 4pm. 'This is a shop for people,' Jackie said. 'When they find that piece that's just for them, it's a wonderful experience. 'That's what I wanted to create in Oban – somewhere people can buy beautiful clothes at a reasonable price, in surroundings that make them feel special.' Sign up for our weekly newsletter, curated by Oban-based reporter Louise Glen, for top local stories and community highlights. 👉 Subscribe here Join the chat on Facebook: West Coast Chat
Press and Journal
2 days ago
- Business
- Press and Journal
Riccardough's Pizza Kitchen to bring a slice of Italian heritage back to Oban
Oban is set to welcome Riccardough's, a new food business with a whole lot of history behind it. And one that promises to serve up a taste of authentic Italian pizza, many locals will remember fondly. Riccardough's Pizza Kitchen, a newly refurbished and eye-catching mobile pizza van, will soon be hitting the streets of Oban and surrounding villages. Behind the venture is 61-year-old Riccardo Pacitti, the son of the late Luigi and Dorina Pacitti, who ran the much-loved Luigi's Pizzeria and chip shop in the town for many years. Luigi's chip shop in Oban was a local institution. Known for its authentic Italian pizza and classic fish and chips, it became a community favourite. For years, locals and visitors alike queued for its fresh flavours and the warm, family-run atmosphere that made it a much-missed part of the town's food scene. The Pacitti family were pioneers of authentic Italian pizza in Oban, introducing freshly made bases and traditional toppings to customers long before the trend took off in Scotland. 'I was working in the chip shop at the time and people just loved it,' said Riccardo. 'We were the first in Oban to serve real, fresh Italian pizza. It's something I've always been proud of.' After leaving the family business, Riccardo spent 22 years working at sea. He returned home to Oban in 2020 due to health reasons and the impact of the Covid pandemic. Since then, he has been looking for a way back into the food trade — but finding a restaurant premises proved difficult. 'I was never thinking about a van,' he said. 'But my daughter Natalie and her partner David encouraged me to give it a go.' Natalie runs a successful beauty business Oro Rosa, in the shop premises her grandparents once owned, and David MacPhee runs a digital marketing company, Digital Minded, and the This is Oban website. 'They've really helped me get this off the ground,' Riccardo said. The result is Riccardough's Pizza Kitchen — a fully renovated pizza van that has been in the works since March and has just received a striking new wrap from Impact Branding. Riccardo grew up steeped in Italian cooking, learning recipes and techniques from his parents. He says Riccardough's will allow him to share that heritage with a new generation of customers. Riccardough's Pizza Kitchen will serve at lunchtimes in Oban town centre near Tesco, before moving on to villages such as Connel, Dunbeg and others in the evenings. The van will also be available for parties, weddings and events, with Riccardo working on a set schedule so people know when and where to find it. As for the menu, Riccardo is keeping his cards close to his chest. 'I'm keeping the recipe and flavours under my chef's hat for now,' he said. 'But let's just say they'll be familiar to anyone who remembers Luigi's Pizzeria.' With the final touches being put in place, Riccardough's Pizza Kitchen is expected to open very soon. Sign up for our weekly newsletter, curated by Oban-based reporter Louise Glen, for top local stories and community highlights. 👉 Subscribe here Join the chat on Facebook: West Coast Chat
Daily Record
17-06-2025
- Science
- Daily Record
North Ayrshire Provost officially opens Scottish Maritime Museum's summer exhibition
'Beneath the Waves' brings together a historic ceramic collection recovered from the shipwrecked SS Eagle by Graeme Bruce, award-winning photography by Lawson Wood and detailed marine sketches by Christina Riley. North Ayrshire Provost Anthea Dickson officially opened the Scottish Maritime Museum's summer exhibition, 'Beneath the Waves'. The Provost joined Matthew Bellhouse Moran, Executive Director, and Eva Bukowska, Exhibitions and Events Officer of the Scottish Maritime Museum to mark the opening of the colourful exhibition which celebrates the extraordinary world beneath the ocean's surface. Also present were exhibition collaborators Oban-based diver and maritime explorer Graeme Bruce, renowned underwater photographer, marine conservationist and writer Lawson Wood and Ayrshire underwater artist and writer Christina Riley. The exhibition is the first time that the collection of rare 19 th century ceramics recovered from the 1857 iron steamship SS Eagle off Lamlash Bay, Arran, last year, have been on public display. The ceramics were made by Glasgow-based Bell's Pottery. In the 19 th century, Glasgow was a major centre for the production of ceramics and Bell's Pottery was arguably the most internationally significant producer of ceramic wares in Scotland at that time. Lawson Wood's award-winning photography reveals the captivating world of marine life and ranges from colourful tropical fish and seals to corals and anemone. Christina Riley's work focuses on the small details of complex and beautiful marine ecosystems. The exhibition features a selection of photographs and pencil drawings created during her time as a snorkelling-artist-in-residence at the Argyll Hope Spot. Part of the global Mission Blue initiative led by the renowned oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle, the Hope Spots project highlights areas critical to the health of the ocean. Other Hope Spots include the Galapagos Islands and Great Barrier Reef. Complementing the SS Eagle ceramics, 'Beneath the Waves' also features cups and plates from the Scottish Maritime Museum's own national maritime heritage collection as well as four vessels dating back to the Roman Empire on loan from North Ayrshire Heritage Centre. Visitors can also learn more about free diving and how this ancient practice has advanced our understanding of marine archaeology and conservation. Admission to 'Beneath the Waves' is included in museum admission. The museum is open daily 10am – 5pm. Up to three children go FREE with each Adult/Concession ticket.
Glasgow Times
07-06-2025
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow pottery found in shipwreck goes on display
Names like Deltfield in Anderston, The Caledonian Pottery and Bell's Pottery were just some of the companies producing stoneware, earthenware and bone china using locally sourced clays. Their products travelled the globe but have almost been forgotten since the kilns closed down and the buildings were demolished. Pottery class, Glasgow, 1952 (Image: Newsquest) A little piece of Glasgow history is returning, however, as a collection of rare 19th century ceramics recovered from a shipwreck go on display for the first time. The Beneath the Waves exhibition, which goes on show in the Scottish Maritime Museum's Linthouse building on Irvine Harbourside from today (June 7) will include the pottery salvaged from the wreck of the 1857 iron steamship SS Eagle off Lamlash Bay in Arran las year. The exhibition brings together the historic ceramic collection, award-winning underwater photography and an artist's detailed marine sketches to celebrate the extraordinary world beneath the ocean's surface. A washing bowl made by Bell's Pottery, retrieved from the SS Eagle (Image: Beneath the Waves) The SS Eagle ceramics, which were discovered by Oban-based diver and maritime explorer Graeme Bruce and team in July 2024, were made by Glasgow's Bell's Pottery. Established by brothers John and Matthew Perston Bell in late 1840 or 1841, it is recognised as arguably the most internationally significant producer of ceramic wares in Scotland at the time. It sat at the corner of Stafford Street and Pulteney Street, close to the Forth and Clyde Canal which was used to transport goods and raw materials. Graeme Bruce (Image: Beneath the Waves) According to the Scottish Pottery Society, Bell's Pottery export wares have been found as far afield as South America, the Far East, Australia and Canada. The last piece of Bell's Pottery was probably made around 1912. The SS Eagle collection features ceramics destined for trade and exhibition in Londonderry, Northern Island, and artefacts from the ship's galley. A piece of Bell's Pottery ceramic ware (Image: Beneath the Waves) Exhibits include seven plates and a bowl, a teapot lid and two bottles which still hold 'sparkling water' in addition to a decanter and bell. Beneath the Waves also features cups and plates from the Scottish Maritime Museum's own national maritime heritage collection as well as four vessels dating back to the Roman Empire on loan from North Ayrshire Heritage Centre. Eva Bukowska, exhibitions and events officer at the Scottish Maritime Museum, said: 'We are really excited to host the first showing of these fascinating ceramics recovered from SS Eagle. "The vessel also has a significance for the Museum as it was built by Alexander Denny, who was the brother of William Denny, whose test tank is now home to our second collection in Dumbarton.' The SS Eagle was acquired by the McConnel and Laird Line of Glasgow in June 1859 for service as a passenger and cargo vessel. Just five months later, on November 28, 1859, it sank after colliding with a sailing boat, the Pladda, while en route from Glasgow to Londonderry. Eleven lives were lost. Graeme Bruce added: 'Diving has been my great passion for 35 years. 'For me, a shipwreck is a 'time capsule' hidden from view over time by the sea. The privilege of being able to explore and connect with the past is beyond description. 'Enabling the artefacts from shipwrecks like this Bell's Pottery collection to then have a new life on show for everyone to learn from and appreciate is so important.' Beneath the Waves has been curated in collaboration with renowned underwater photographer, marine conservationist and writer Lawson Wood; diver, maritime explorer and retired engineer Graeme Bruce; and Ayrshire underwater artist and writer Christina Riley. It runs until September 13.
Daily Record
06-06-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Items recovered from 1859 tragic Ayrshire shipwreck to go on display at museum
The SS Eagle is seen as an unprecedented example of an almost intact cargo of 19th century Glaswegian ceramics. A collection of rare 19th century ceramics recovered from the wreck of the 1857 iron steamship SS Eagle off Lamlash Bay, Arran, last year, will go on display for the first time in the Scottish Maritime Museum's Summer exhibition which opens tomorrow. The 'Beneath the Waves' exhibition, which goes on show in the museum's Linthouse building on Irvine Harbourside, brings together the historic ceramic collection, award-winning underwater photography and an artist's detailed marine sketches to celebrate the extraordinary world beneath the ocean's surface. The SS Eagle launched from the Dumbarton yard of Alexander Denny in July 1857. The 324 tonne steamer was acquired by the McConnel and Laird Line of Glasgow in June 1859 for service as a passenger and cargo vessel. Just five months later, on November 28, 1859, SS Eagle sank after colliding with a sailing boat, the Pladda, whilst en route from Glasgow to Londonderry with a general cargo, two hundred sheep and fifty four passengers. Eleven lives were lost. The SS Eagle ceramics, which were discovered by Oban-based diver and maritime explorer Graeme Bruce and team in July 2024, were made by Glasgow-based Bell's Pottery. Bell's Pottery was established by brothers John and Matthew Perston Bell in late 1840 or 1841. The site at the corner of Stafford Street and Pulteney Street was close to the Forth & Clyde Canal which was used to transport goods and raw materials. According to the Scottish Pottery Society, Bell's Pottery export wares have been found as far afield as South America, the Far East, Australia and Canada. The last piece of Bell's Pottery was probably made around 1912. In the 19th century, Glasgow was a major centre for the production of ceramics and rivalled the Staffordshire potteries. Bell's Pottery itself is recognised as arguably the most internationally significant producer of ceramic wares in Scotland at the time. The lack of surviving pottery from Glasgow's industrial ceramics period, which spanned three centuries from 1748 to the mid 1980's, makes the SS Eagle's ceramic tableware nationally significant. The SS Eagle collection features ceramics destined for trade and exhibition in Londonderry, Northern Island, and artefacts from the ship's galley. Exhibits include seven plates and a bowl, a teapot lid and two bottles which still hold 'sparkling water' in addition to a decanter and bell. Complementing the SS Eagle ceramics, 'Beneath the Waves' also features cups and plates from the Scottish Maritime Museum's own national maritime heritage collection as well as four vessels dating back to the Roman Empire on loan from North Ayrshire Heritage Centre. Eva Bukowska, Exhibitions and Events Officer at the Scottish Maritime Museum, said: "We are really excited to host the first showing of these fascinating ceramics recovered from SS Eagle. The vessel also has a significance for the Museum as it was built by Alexander Denny, who was the brother of William Denny, whose test tank is now home to our second collection in Dumbarton." Graeme Bruce added: "Diving has been my great passion for 35 years. For me, a shipwreck is a 'time capsule' hidden from view over time by the sea. The privilege of being able to explore and connect with the past is beyond description. Enabling the artefacts from shipwrecks like this Bell's Pottery collection to then have a new life on show for everyone to learn from and appreciate is so important. Connecting people with a heritage like this means everything to me and those I dive with." 'Beneath the Waves' exhibition has been curated in collaboration with renowned underwater photographer, marine conservationist and writer Lawson Wood; diver, maritime explorer and retired engineer Graeme Bruce; and Ayrshire underwater artist and writer Christina Riley. In the exhibition, Lawson Wood, who enjoyed his first scuba dive aged 11 years, draws on 60 years of underwater photography. His images reveal the captivating world of marine life and range from colourful tropical fish and seals to corals and anemones. Christina Riley's work focuses on the small details of complex and beautiful marine ecosystems. The exhibition features a selection of photographs and pencil drawings created during her time as a snorkelling-artist-in-residence at the Argyll Hope Spot. Part of the global Mission Blue initiative led by the renowned oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle, the Hope Spots project highlights areas critical to the health of the ocean. Other Hope Spots include the Galapagos Islands and the Great Barrier Reef. Visitors can also learn more about freediving and how this ancient practice has advanced our understanding of marine archaeology and conservation. 'Beneath the Waves' runs from Saturday, June 7 to Saturday, September 13. Admission to 'Beneath the Waves' is included in Museum admission. The museum is open daily from 10am until 5pm. Up to three children go FREE with each Adult/Concession ticket.
