Oyster enthusiasts wanted

Does anyone fancy an oyster feast?

Galloway's Loch Ryan is home to Scotland's largest known oyster beds which have been providing juicy oysters since at least 1701.

The oysters are now carefully harvested in an ecologically friendly way by Rossmore Oysters, which makes sure that the 10 million or so oysters and spat in the bay are in no danger of over-exploitation. The loch is, in fact, a sea inlet, with Stranraer at its head. The company rents the beds from the Wallace Family, which was given a Royal Charter to them by King William III. In the past oysters were harvested all along the Solway coast and in the 19th century there were at least 50 boats involved with many of the oystermen coming from Essex and the harbour at the Isle of Whithorn (see picture) being the main base. Today Loch Ryan is the only operation.

The oysters are taken down to Worthing, in West Sussex, where they are purified before being shipped all over the UK and Europe. The Spanish and the French are particularly keen on the Loch Ryan Oysters and huge quantities are consumed at top London restaurants, such as Le Gavroche, and at swanky hotels such as Scotland's Gleneagles.

Neil, of Rossmore, explained that Loch Ryan produces “a good fat oyster” and said that he personally found it had a bit of a peaty flavour – rather like Scotland's famed malt whiskies.

The oysters are supplied by express courier anywhere in the UK at a pound each for the large size. The problem for small orders is that the delivery charge is 12 pounds per order as obviously, they have to be despatched and arrive quickly.

So, we are looking for oyster enthusiasts who would like to join us in making an order of a dozen each so that we can have a big box sent to Wigtown for an oyster feast – with only one delivery charge having to be paid.

If you would like to join us at the feast, ordering say a dozen oysters per head, then send an email to sharon888bruce@gmail.com.

Of course, the only thing to drink with oysters is Black Velvet, made in a big jug with a bottle of champagne and an equal quantity of Guinness. Should you, sadly, not happen to be a banker in a state-owned bank with vast bonus to spend, you can always substitute cider for the champagne.

If you want to order your own Loch Ryan oysters, the website is at www.oysters.co.uk.

www.sharonskitchenworld.blogspot.com

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