Sailing I managed to do West Highland Week which is a weeks racing off the Argyll coast. It was terrific and after a real struggle we managed to win the premier trophy in Class 1. We were the smallest boat, but had electric speed. There were 4 gardeners on board. We had to go home and work every night to keep the plants and lawns in shape!	Management Cynthia has made it into management. She is now a fully fledged relief manager. She is one clever girl and exceptionally talented.
Arrivals Rhona and Paul have had Craig. Mother and son are both well. Paul has recovered too and is doing well!	Romance Well there is so much of this sort of thing going on that I barely know where to start. Courier Andy and Izelle plus courier Steve and Lorinda got hitched this year. Some of the local boys are very happy with my latest crop of little starlets.
Sport Three of my boys are starring for Oban Lorne, the local rugby club. Gardener Driann was man of the match last week. The three of them are the only sober people in the team.	Turkey and Tinsel These have been going great guns, with fantastic fancy dress nights and great days out. With the nights creeping in, the flaming torches and red carpet together with the skirl of the pipes welcome you to the Hotel. We are fully lit up at all the Hotels. Quite a sight in fact. There are lots of Santas and I particularly like some of the outfits the girls have managed to get their hands on, (Mrs Thompson has laid down certain rules regarding skirt length, she feared some of the veterans may need their pacemakers re-calibrated).
Building We have done a lot of work this year. About 30 new guest rooms plus 24 new staff rooms on going. A new sewerage treatment works at Dalmally and a new marketing office for myself.	Office We will have our new all singing and dancing web site up and running for early December. You will be able to book online if you wish. Also new, will be payment by credit card or switch. Got to keep up with the times I suppose.
Newsletters I expect to send out a monthly newsletter next year. I hope you enjoy them all. Superior Rooms It will now be possible to book a superior twin or double room for £4 per person per night. This will apply to all the Hotels.	Smoking The dreaded weed has been banned in all public places in Scotland as of early next year. We will therefore have NO SMOKING in any Hotel as of 12th February 2006. That will keep 90% of you very happy and 10% outside the front door having a puff.
Grandsons Firstly may I report on the progress of my Grandsons, now three and four, they go to 'school' which is great for their mother. They are banned from expeditions with their Grandfather due to his advice on bow and arrow making, boat carving and making faces, especially effective with a torch under the chin through the kitchen window when their mother is washing the dishes! Here are the 'little angels' with ice creams of olympic proportions.	Cruising I have made a really good deal with the ferry operator, Calmac for next year, allowing us to do a broader range of excursions. It is going to be an exciting 2006 for sure, with visits to Mull and Iona, Tobermory, Isle of Bute and the 3 ferry tour across Morvern peninsula.