Argyll Holidays blog

Lets just say it’s been difficult. Heart felt apologies to any customers we have had to call to give bad news about frozen caravans or lodges. Thank you to our maintenance staff who have worked so hard over the last few weeks clearing snow, gritting paths and unfreezing pipes. We have been told the thaw is on it’s way – so here is hoping for easier times over the New Year week.

Just to show that there is a living, breathing person behind the corporate face of Argyll Holidays, I would like to wish all our blog followers a Merry Christmas. Thank you for your interest and I hope to keep posting info that’ll keep you visiting us in 2011. Best wishes to you all from Leonard.

Due to be launched in January – but now available to book – Have an extra night on us is a promotion available throughout 2011 (excludes Christmas and New Year) where if you book any 3 night property at brochure price – stay a 4th night on us. Contact our sales centre on 0845 459 9776 for details or to check availability. Bookings have to be made by 28 February 2011 to qualify.

Click here to download a printable version

We are pleased to announce that our Argyll Holidays new 6-page brochure has arrived. It’s colourful, it’s shiny and it’s full of information to help you decide which of the four holiday parks or seven holiday home ownership parks to choose from. Call our sales centre on 0845 459 9776 to order a copy.

There are times when you want something just that little bit extra special on your holiday. New for 2011 we commissioned Burns Interior Design to provide a contemporary design that would showcase our A-Frame two bedroom lodges. With the use of warm colours and a variety fabrics and textures, we are delighted to introduce our Osprey Premier Lodge. We want to make sure that your relaxation time is taken in the most comfortable surroundings possible, while still providing excellent value-for-money in this prime location on the Drimsynie Estate. All Premier Lodges are just minutes walk to the Drimsynie House Hotel & Leisure Centre so you are just steps away from enjoying the dining, entertainment and activities on offer. View the photo gallery and let the pictures speak for themselves. If you are planning a special birthday or anniversary celebration, or simply looking for timeless style and affordable luxury the Osprey Premier is for you. Occupancy is based on four people with a twin and double bedroom, (for that extra guest there is a single put-u-up in the lounge area). Osprey Premier Lodges do not allow pets and are strictly no smoking. As an added feature we have included towels and dishtowels as part of your package. Contact our sales office on 0845 459 9772 for prices or check availability online

I will once again be taking part in the Loch Goil Dip on New Year’s day.  This year we are trying to raise funds for Epilepsy Research UK.  I have attached below a link to Just Giving, where secure donations can  be made online.  I also have sponsor forms available if you prefer to donate directly.  Please feel free to pass on this link. 

http://www.justgiving.com/lesleyanne-smith1

 This is a charity who desperately need help to continue the vital research needed in developing treatments and hopefully one day finding a cure for Epilepsy.  As most of you will know this is a charity that is very close to my heart, so please, dig deep and donate, every penny helps.

Note: For readers who are not aware – Lesleyanne is the manager in the sales centre office. After spending many years on the Drimsynie Reception Lesleyanne is a well kent face to many of our customers.

Keith, Allan and Roy Campbell, the directors of Argyll Holidays with headquarters in Lochgoilhead, held an Achievers’ Awards Dinner at The Drimsynie House Hotel on 8^th December.

The company has undergone a successful re-structuring exercise in the past year in conjunction with the Ruth Badger Consultancy organisation. As major employers in Argyll and the Lake District, with staff of over 250 covering all areas within the business, the directors wished to publicly recognise employees from each area who have embraced the changes and shown their commitment to the company.

28 staff members, Ruth Badger and the directors, enjoyed a splendid dinner in The Drimsynie Restaurant as well as the customary speeches and awards.

Awards slide show on: http://goo.gl/syfF8

Aileen Brown, General Manager of the Drimsynie House Hotel receives her award from Roy Campbell.

Karen Muldoon, General Manager of the Lochgoilhead Hotel receives her award from Roy Campbell.

Local photographer Derek Prescott launched his new DVD to a willing public at the Christmas Fayre in the Lochgoilhead Hotel on 5th December.

For any visitor or local who  just can’t get enough of this beautiful Loch, the 20 minute  DVD is a must have addition to their collection.

Titled: Loch Goil Past and Present, A journey through time with old and new photographs. Having now watched the DVD I’d say that pretty well sums it up – but what photographs.

Contact Derek via email info@derekprescott.co.uk to order a copy.

If you want one for Christmas you better put your skates on as people were walking out with multiple copies – clearly there are a lot of friends of Loch Goil about to get a nice present.

£7.50 available direct from Derek.

Thank you to Karen and her team at the Lochgoilhead Hotel for hosting the 2nd annual Christmas Fayre on 5th December.

A beautiful sunny winter day in the village, ideal to encourage locals and visitors to come along and enjoy a free glass of mulled wine and a mince pie at the same time as browseing over the various stalls.

Of course non of this would have been possible without the stall holders who provided a great range of goods and things for sale. Clearly there are a number of talented people in the area. It was good to be able to buy original locally made items in time for Christmas. There seemed to be a fair bit of buying going on so it is hoped that the stall  holders efforts were rewarded.

Same weekend same place next year.