Last night saw a magnificent climax to the summer programme of events organised at the Lochaber Homecoming Hub. As well as being entertained by a variety of wonderful local musicians and singers, the highlight of the evening was the World Cloutie Dumpling Championships. From a fantastic 34 entries, Kate Stewart from Invergarry emerged as the winner, beating Catherine Mackenzie who travelled all the way (by bus!) from Port Henderson near Gairloch. But her's wasn't the furthest travelled dumpling - that honour went to Frances Johnstone of Ballater. Entrants as young as 6 years old and ... ahem ... over 80 took part, and special mention must go to Jordan Capstick of Spean Bridge who, at the tender age of 11, came joint 4th. Also, spare a thought for the 3 judges who had to sample all 34 dumplings!!!
I'm off to practice for next year!
Thursday, 27 August 2009
Wednesday, 26 August 2009
Confessions of a Cloutie Virgin
At the last minute, I decided to enter the World Cloutie Dumpling Championships. However, I've never cooked one before and only eaten it once, so it was always going to be a long shot that I might be crowned the World's Best. I scoured the internet for recipes - sorely tempted to try Grandma Wright's as I actually did have a Granny Wright, but she was Irish so I don't think it was her recipe. In the end, I plumped for an old recipe which won the Sunday Post competition to find the best many years ago. It doubly appealed as it called for milk stout and I have a can of Sweetheart rolling around the bottom of the fridge.
No muslin cloths to be found in the whole of Fort William, so I had to sacrifice a pillowcase. The mixture looked great going into the pot; less so after 2.5 hours! Though the smell and taste aren't bad, it has cracked several times around the edges and I am not looking forward to the moment when I have to transfer it from the plate to the official stand. I hear someone else has the same fears about her effort so has found a tartan bonnet for it to wear/hide under? I wondered about sprinkling mine with icing sugar (always a good cover-up!) but I might lose points for straying from tradition.
Well, the results will be announced in a few hours time and I believe there are entrants coming from the Outer Hebrides and Falkirk, so it will be a grand battle .
No muslin cloths to be found in the whole of Fort William, so I had to sacrifice a pillowcase. The mixture looked great going into the pot; less so after 2.5 hours! Though the smell and taste aren't bad, it has cracked several times around the edges and I am not looking forward to the moment when I have to transfer it from the plate to the official stand. I hear someone else has the same fears about her effort so has found a tartan bonnet for it to wear/hide under? I wondered about sprinkling mine with icing sugar (always a good cover-up!) but I might lose points for straying from tradition.
Well, the results will be announced in a few hours time and I believe there are entrants coming from the Outer Hebrides and Falkirk, so it will be a grand battle .
Cloutie Dumplings at the Ready!
The tension is building, the smell tantalising and mouths are watering in anticipation of the World Cloutie Dumpling Championships tonight. The dumplings will be arriving from 3pm, including those from Mallaig which will be travelling in style on the Jacobite Steam Train and piped across to the College! The winner will be announced during the Ceilidh this evening at Lochaber College. The fun kicks off at 7pm - see you there (and don't forget your dancing shoes!).
Thursday, 13 August 2009
HOMECOMERS AND HIGHLANDERS TO GET THEIR JUST DESSERTS AT THE WORLD CLOUTIE DUMPLING CHAMPIONSHIP
Calling all butchers, bakers and dessert makers, The World Cloutie Dumpling Championship is almost upon us! Makers and tasters of Scotland's finest delicacy are set to descend on Fort William for a Cloutie Dumpling cook off on Wednesday 26th August 2009.
Organised by the Homecoming Hub Committee the Championship is the culmination of a ten-week programme of Homecoming events in Lochaber, The Outdoor Capital of the UK. The 'clouts' (cloths) are out, boiled and ironed, aprons at the ready, the flour, oatmeal, sugar, syrup and sultanas measured.
This novel twist to the more traditional past times of Caber Tossing or Haggis Hurling has captured the imagination locally and nationally to the extent that a bagpipe tune has been composed in the Cloutie (pronounced clooty) Dumpling's honour and scores of variations on the theme of the traditional delicacy are anticipated for adjudication.
The 'Cloutie Dumpling' is a traditional Scottish steamed pudding with fruit and spices. Although it is a dessert on the day it is made, while it is still warm, the following days it is normally cut into flat slices and gently fried in a little butter and eaten with fried egg and bacon for breakfast. It's traditionally made for Christmas, Hogmanay and birthdays and used to contain an old silver threepenny or sixpenny coin. The name 'Cloutie' refers to the cloth it is wrapped and cooked in.
The rules are simple. With so many recipes around the exact mix of ingredients, to be wrapped up in the obligatory square piece of cotton or linen cloth before cooking, is being left entirely to the competitors. However the finished Cloutie Dumpling should be no bigger than a large dinner plate - and no smaller than a side plate! The only other instruction is that the submitted dumpling should be left whole - and not cut up into slices.
Lochaber Provost, Allan Henderson, Hector MacLean of Lochaber Burns Club and Brian Gunn, Lochaber College Training chef, will form the panel of local 'Cloutie Dumpling Tasters and Testers' as the judges on the day. Their criteria will revolve round 'first impressions', and colour, aroma, texture and taste.
All entries are required to be delivered to the Training Kitchen of Lochaber College, Fort William, between 3pm and 5pm on Wednesday 26 August, where the cloutie dumplings will be transferred onto dinner plates or side plates provided by the college kitchen.
The adjudication will take place that evening, at the final Lochaber Homecoming Hub Ceilidh at 7.30pm. All the participants will be warmly invited to stay for the Ceilidh. And, after the judges have made their decision, the intention is to cut the Cloutie Dumplings up so that everyone can have a taste!
Highland Councillor Donald Cameron, a member of the Homecoming Hub committee, is thrilled with the initial response to hiscall for Clouties saying; ' The Cloutie Dumpling is one of Scotland's greatest national dishes enjoyed the world over. We have an expert panel on hand to judge the delicate variations in taste and texture with every entry guaranteed to be a treat!'
Entry forms and guidance notes are available from various outlets in and around Fort William, including the Homecoming Hub at Lochaber College, Ben Nevis Distillery, Ben Nevis Book Corner, Lochaber Rural Education Trust at Torlundy, Wynne the Butchers, or by emailing morag.maclean2@highland.gov.uk. Entrants can also call 01397-874204 for further information.
Organised by the Homecoming Hub Committee the Championship is the culmination of a ten-week programme of Homecoming events in Lochaber, The Outdoor Capital of the UK. The 'clouts' (cloths) are out, boiled and ironed, aprons at the ready, the flour, oatmeal, sugar, syrup and sultanas measured.
This novel twist to the more traditional past times of Caber Tossing or Haggis Hurling has captured the imagination locally and nationally to the extent that a bagpipe tune has been composed in the Cloutie (pronounced clooty) Dumpling's honour and scores of variations on the theme of the traditional delicacy are anticipated for adjudication.
The 'Cloutie Dumpling' is a traditional Scottish steamed pudding with fruit and spices. Although it is a dessert on the day it is made, while it is still warm, the following days it is normally cut into flat slices and gently fried in a little butter and eaten with fried egg and bacon for breakfast. It's traditionally made for Christmas, Hogmanay and birthdays and used to contain an old silver threepenny or sixpenny coin. The name 'Cloutie' refers to the cloth it is wrapped and cooked in.
The rules are simple. With so many recipes around the exact mix of ingredients, to be wrapped up in the obligatory square piece of cotton or linen cloth before cooking, is being left entirely to the competitors. However the finished Cloutie Dumpling should be no bigger than a large dinner plate - and no smaller than a side plate! The only other instruction is that the submitted dumpling should be left whole - and not cut up into slices.
Lochaber Provost, Allan Henderson, Hector MacLean of Lochaber Burns Club and Brian Gunn, Lochaber College Training chef, will form the panel of local 'Cloutie Dumpling Tasters and Testers' as the judges on the day. Their criteria will revolve round 'first impressions', and colour, aroma, texture and taste.
All entries are required to be delivered to the Training Kitchen of Lochaber College, Fort William, between 3pm and 5pm on Wednesday 26 August, where the cloutie dumplings will be transferred onto dinner plates or side plates provided by the college kitchen.
The adjudication will take place that evening, at the final Lochaber Homecoming Hub Ceilidh at 7.30pm. All the participants will be warmly invited to stay for the Ceilidh. And, after the judges have made their decision, the intention is to cut the Cloutie Dumplings up so that everyone can have a taste!
Highland Councillor Donald Cameron, a member of the Homecoming Hub committee, is thrilled with the initial response to hiscall for Clouties saying; ' The Cloutie Dumpling is one of Scotland's greatest national dishes enjoyed the world over. We have an expert panel on hand to judge the delicate variations in taste and texture with every entry guaranteed to be a treat!'
Entry forms and guidance notes are available from various outlets in and around Fort William, including the Homecoming Hub at Lochaber College, Ben Nevis Distillery, Ben Nevis Book Corner, Lochaber Rural Education Trust at Torlundy, Wynne the Butchers, or by emailing morag.maclean2@highland.gov.uk. Entrants can also call 01397-874204 for further information.
Mini-Ceilidhs Just Keep Getting Better!
Last night saw more than 150 people enjoy the latest mini-ceilidh at the Lochaber Homecoming Hub. It was a truly multi-national affair with visitors from as far afield as Namibia, New Zealand and Canada, who were entertained by dancers from the Royal Scottish Country Dancing Society. Here's what they thought :
"Wonderful" (Namibia)
"Excellent" (Wolverhampton)
"Really enjoyed the show" (South Africa)
"Greeting from Germany, we enjoyed the show"
"Very nice show and beautiful children, full of talent. It's a pleasure for a teacher to see that!!! (France)
"Hallo from Germany. Thank you for the invitation to this typical Scottish evening, it's nice to be here!
"Hello from Middlesbrough - we really enjoyed the evening"
"Greetings from Canada. Thanks for the music and dance".
"Kiaora from New Zealand"
"What great dancing - it's been brill" Ben aged around 8yrs
"Fantastic evening, first time my boys have been to a ceilidh!! They loved it".
"Very interesting and loved the dancing".
"Some lovely dancing! A lovely surprise on our holiday! (Lancashire)
"We enjoyed being introduced to the Scottish traditions! Thanks a lot" (Germany)
"We loved the presestations; it was a wonderful surprise and joy to be here and to be part of it". (Brazil).
The RSCDS Dancers also added a few comments:
"Thoroughly enjoyed taking part. A really fun evening".
"Excellent idea. Visitors seemed to enjoy it a lot and were even willing to dance with us".
"What wonderful hospitality and a friendly welcome, many thanks"
....and as always there was a good few unintentionally humourous comments
One couple (think they were Italian) said; "We have loved all parts of the night - but we still do not know who's birthday it was".
and, from a very excited German family:
"We have won a Tommy Wynne Haggis.......it will drive with us for next 2 weeks, as a special passenger......then we will present it to our 80 year old father on our return to Germany."
"Wonderful" (Namibia)
"Excellent" (Wolverhampton)
"Really enjoyed the show" (South Africa)
"Greeting from Germany, we enjoyed the show"
"Very nice show and beautiful children, full of talent. It's a pleasure for a teacher to see that!!! (France)
"Hallo from Germany. Thank you for the invitation to this typical Scottish evening, it's nice to be here!
"Hello from Middlesbrough - we really enjoyed the evening"
"Greetings from Canada. Thanks for the music and dance".
"Kiaora from New Zealand"
"What great dancing - it's been brill" Ben aged around 8yrs
"Fantastic evening, first time my boys have been to a ceilidh!! They loved it".
"Very interesting and loved the dancing".
"Some lovely dancing! A lovely surprise on our holiday! (Lancashire)
"We enjoyed being introduced to the Scottish traditions! Thanks a lot" (Germany)
"We loved the presestations; it was a wonderful surprise and joy to be here and to be part of it". (Brazil).
The RSCDS Dancers also added a few comments:
"Thoroughly enjoyed taking part. A really fun evening".
"Excellent idea. Visitors seemed to enjoy it a lot and were even willing to dance with us".
"What wonderful hospitality and a friendly welcome, many thanks"
....and as always there was a good few unintentionally humourous comments
One couple (think they were Italian) said; "We have loved all parts of the night - but we still do not know who's birthday it was".
and, from a very excited German family:
"We have won a Tommy Wynne Haggis.......it will drive with us for next 2 weeks, as a special passenger......then we will present it to our 80 year old father on our return to Germany."
Thursday, 30 July 2009
Another great Ceilidh at Lochaber Hub
Last night saw the regular Wedneday night mini-ceilidh at the Lochaber Homecoming Hub (in Lochaber College) and the feedback, once again, was brilliant :
"We're from Bradford, Yorkshire, this is our first time in Scotland, we've been very lucky to come to the 'homecoming', the weather has been Scottish and this visit so far great. Thanks for the welcome and a most informative and enjoyable evening".
—-------------------------------------
"Our first day in Fort William. By surprise we went for Lochaber College and had a pleasant evening with sing and dance. Keep up the good thing! Visitors from Holland.
—------------------------------------
"Our first time in Lochaber to follow the trail of ancestors that emigrated to Canada before 1815.........to celebrate them and those that have remained. Thanks you for your warm hospitality. So enjoyed the music and dance at the college.........thanks for inviting us.
Visitors from BC, Canada
.............................
"We're from NZ and are currently travelling around the UK - tonight has been one of our favourite nights so far! We are so glad we found out about it and have been very impressed with the performers and have had a brilliant time! Thanks very much!"
.........................
"Arrived a bit late because I was coming back from climbing Ben Nevis. However, what I heard, saw and experienced this evening was really great. I would like to thank all the performers. It was a great way to relax after a really exhausting day. Cile mhath agus tapadh leibh! Clan Cameron Australia visitor.
.....................................
A brilliant time had by all. Thanks for the invite a great evenings crack. Hope to be back!"
Visitors from N. Ireland
.....................
and the one I like best, from a European visitor:
"This is my second time here, I really advise someone else to come.....
I will be back (if possible). I believe it is a hard work for the people involved but it is an amazing result. Well done and all the best for your future."
.....................
These mini-ceilidhs will be taking place every Wednesday throughout August - come along at 7.30pm to share the craic!
"We're from Bradford, Yorkshire, this is our first time in Scotland, we've been very lucky to come to the 'homecoming', the weather has been Scottish and this visit so far great. Thanks for the welcome and a most informative and enjoyable evening".
—-------------------------------------
"Our first day in Fort William. By surprise we went for Lochaber College and had a pleasant evening with sing and dance. Keep up the good thing! Visitors from Holland.
—------------------------------------
"Our first time in Lochaber to follow the trail of ancestors that emigrated to Canada before 1815.........to celebrate them and those that have remained. Thanks you for your warm hospitality. So enjoyed the music and dance at the college.........thanks for inviting us.
Visitors from BC, Canada
.............................
"We're from NZ and are currently travelling around the UK - tonight has been one of our favourite nights so far! We are so glad we found out about it and have been very impressed with the performers and have had a brilliant time! Thanks very much!"
.........................
"Arrived a bit late because I was coming back from climbing Ben Nevis. However, what I heard, saw and experienced this evening was really great. I would like to thank all the performers. It was a great way to relax after a really exhausting day. Cile mhath agus tapadh leibh! Clan Cameron Australia visitor.
.....................................
A brilliant time had by all. Thanks for the invite a great evenings crack. Hope to be back!"
Visitors from N. Ireland
.....................
and the one I like best, from a European visitor:
"This is my second time here, I really advise someone else to come.....
I will be back (if possible). I believe it is a hard work for the people involved but it is an amazing result. Well done and all the best for your future."
.....................
These mini-ceilidhs will be taking place every Wednesday throughout August - come along at 7.30pm to share the craic!
Thursday, 23 July 2009
Gaelic Night at the Homecoming Ceilidh
Working late last night I wearily left my office at Lochaber College, only to hear the unusual sound of an accordian and general merriment drifting up the stairs.
Down in the foyer the weekly Homecoming Hub Ceilidh was in full swing. I was easily persuaded to join in. Before I knew it I was part of a slightly shambolic 'strip the willow' set that comprised Scots, Portuguese, English, American and German dancers. I am not sure we would have won any awards but we had good fun!
After the set by accordianist Jimmy Smith, and more music from Kevin and Deidre on pipes and fiddle, there were performances of gaelic song and music and Scottish dancing by local youngsters; Hannah and Catherine from the Junior Lochaber Choir, Emma and Carchie from the Nevis Dancers and the musical brother and sister Hannah and Alasdair.
The kids were great - not easy standing up in front of 40 or so grown ups you don't know, so thanks to them and to Eilidh Shaw from Commun na Gaidhlig for organising the evening, along with Margert Boyd. The Homecoming Hub is a genuine, authentic Highland experience - organised by locals who want to show visitors their culture, and it is all put on by volunteers. They are also raising money for local charities with a raffle and I won the booby prize of a bottle of Irn Bru!
To find out more about events in Lochber with a cultural and historical theme go to our events listing.
Friday, 17 July 2009
Walk into History
The Outdoor Capital have just produced a guide called 'Walk into History' which highlights 8 walks of varying difficulty that all have an historic, cultural or industrial theme. These include 2 routes around cleared villages, a beautiful trail near Castle Tioram and an easy walk from the Old Fort in Fort William to Inverlochy Castle. You can pick up a leaflet in many locations around Lochaber or view an online version here.
Thursday, 16 July 2009
The volunteers behind the Lochaber Homecoming Hub are doing a fantastic job in organising the events for our Homecomers and locals alike, giving up their own time, for no reward. Well, when I say they are not rewarded, I mean financially. But receiving comments like these, which were made at the Mini-Ceilidh/Burns Supper last night at the Lochaber College, makes all the time and effort worthwhile ...
An e-mail from Trevor, Margaret, John (16), Tom (15) and Rachael (12) -
Just a short note to say thank you for the "mini ceilidh" on Wednesday 08/07/09 at UHI Millennium Institute - we loved it! What a very talented bunch of young musicians. Great to see such variety - singing, accordion, fiddle and drums. Also the highland dancing was a real treat. The evening was a very enjoyable mix of younger and more mature performers and it was nice to join in the "Strip the Willow" with both locals and those from further afield. Thanks again for organising a lovely evening.
"Al' the best til' next time."
and these on the night -
"What a treat"
"The Lochaber Burns Supper will have to improve!!! (local reflecting on the speed of last night's event)
"Robert - we love you and would like to take you home to Montreal"
"Well organised, superb 'haggis' + talented musicians"
"My heart is in the Highlands, even more so after to-night" .
"This was great! We enjoyed the event - thank you from the American Chamber Orchestra"
"Very nice to be here and part of this festivity, as a tourist from Holland".
"Hey! great to be back in Scotland - have just walked the West Highland Way" (Aussie)
"Nice to have a look inside real Scottish life" (German visitors)
"Thank you for the event" (Swiss visitors)
"Great and entertaining programme - thanks" (Florida)
"Had a lovely time, all so friendly" (England)
"Very interesting; warm hosts! (Canadians)
Mini-ceilidhs will take place between 7.30 and 9.30 pm each Wednesday throughout July and August at Lochaber College. Just come along and join in the fun!
An e-mail from Trevor, Margaret, John (16), Tom (15) and Rachael (12) -
Just a short note to say thank you for the "mini ceilidh" on Wednesday 08/07/09 at UHI Millennium Institute - we loved it! What a very talented bunch of young musicians. Great to see such variety - singing, accordion, fiddle and drums. Also the highland dancing was a real treat. The evening was a very enjoyable mix of younger and more mature performers and it was nice to join in the "Strip the Willow" with both locals and those from further afield. Thanks again for organising a lovely evening.
"Al' the best til' next time."
and these on the night -
"What a treat"
"The Lochaber Burns Supper will have to improve!!! (local reflecting on the speed of last night's event)
"Robert - we love you and would like to take you home to Montreal"
"Well organised, superb 'haggis' + talented musicians"
"My heart is in the Highlands, even more so after to-night" .
"This was great! We enjoyed the event - thank you from the American Chamber Orchestra"
"Very nice to be here and part of this festivity, as a tourist from Holland".
"Hey! great to be back in Scotland - have just walked the West Highland Way" (Aussie)
"Nice to have a look inside real Scottish life" (German visitors)
"Thank you for the event" (Swiss visitors)
"Great and entertaining programme - thanks" (Florida)
"Had a lovely time, all so friendly" (England)
"Very interesting; warm hosts! (Canadians)
Mini-ceilidhs will take place between 7.30 and 9.30 pm each Wednesday throughout July and August at Lochaber College. Just come along and join in the fun!
Hello and welcome to the Lochaber Homecoming Hub blog. 2009 is the year of Homecoming throughout Scotland when Scots the world over are encouraged to come home and celebrate all that makes Scotland great.
The Outdoor Capital of the UK have a page on their website dedicated to the Homecoming with links to Homecoming events, where Homecomers can stay, where to find out more about their ancestors and more.
The Lochaber Homecoming hub – which is located within Lochaber College UHI - aims to provide a place where locals and visitors alike, can come to find out what is going on across Lochaber, particularly in relation to the events and activities that have been set up for our ‘Homecoming’ visitors.
During each week day afternoon, 1pm – 2pm, there will be a set activity, such as talks on local history, craft displays, lectures and even a chance to see how butter is made! On Wednesday evenings between 7.30pm – 9.30pm a mini ceilidh is held in the college foyer.
All events are FREE and places are on a first come first served basis. For more information, call into the college or check out the Outdoor Capital's What's On section here.
The Outdoor Capital of the UK have a page on their website dedicated to the Homecoming with links to Homecoming events, where Homecomers can stay, where to find out more about their ancestors and more.
The Lochaber Homecoming hub – which is located within Lochaber College UHI - aims to provide a place where locals and visitors alike, can come to find out what is going on across Lochaber, particularly in relation to the events and activities that have been set up for our ‘Homecoming’ visitors.
During each week day afternoon, 1pm – 2pm, there will be a set activity, such as talks on local history, craft displays, lectures and even a chance to see how butter is made! On Wednesday evenings between 7.30pm – 9.30pm a mini ceilidh is held in the college foyer.
All events are FREE and places are on a first come first served basis. For more information, call into the college or check out the Outdoor Capital's What's On section here.
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