Okay, we are back to old regurgitated scones … sorry! This one is from 2015 at the Liosbeag Café on Lismore.
With Bojo keeping Dominic Cummings in his job at least we know now for certain that Britain has joined that merry band of countries like the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Iran, N Korea and Kazakhstan which have unelected leaders at the helm. The British are also getting a taste of what it is like to be governed by the shambolic self-interested British. Something many countries have experienced in the past and, of course, Scotland, Wales and N. Ireland still do. Anyway, enough depressing stuff, let’s go back five years.
We took the car ferry from Oban to Achnacroish in order to right a wrong. We had never before visited Lismore. Looked at it many times from Mull and Appin and various other places but had never actually set foot on it. This was to be our first time .. exciting. 
We were guests at Bachuil Country House but before we arrived there we came to the Liosbeag Café at the local Gaelic Heritage Centre. It was just about scone time. As it turns out there is one Kiki McColl who is the manager and responsible for all the baking here. She doesn’t scrimp! 
The cakes and scones all came in what might be termed ‘man-sized’ portions. Kiki’s raspberry scones looked huge, to begin with, but when they appeared complete with jam and cream they were indeed, something to behold. 
All we can say is if you are ever on Lismore you must have one of these Kiki masterpieces. You won’t need much else for the rest of the day. If you fancied something else however there is a whole range of other food on offer, a shop, and a history centre. Well worth a visit. Considering it is the only café on the island it is just as well that it’s a good one. Well done to Kiki and the girls for the friendly welcome and excellent food. We would love to come back!
PA34 5UL tel: 01631 760020 Liosbeag Café
Our hosts on Lismore were Niall and Anita Livingston, perhaps better known as the Baron and Baroness of Bachuil. Niall was also the Abbot of Lismore, Coarb (Successor) of St Moluag and Chief of Clan MacLea. Quite a guy you might think … and you would be right! They made us extremely welcome Niall regaled us with interesting tales about his various titles and this wonderful island. Perhaps most importantly Niall taught us how to eat porridge correctly. One morning however he warned us against the chocolate cake at Liosbeag Café. We thought it a bit strange but next morning on the 4th June it all became clear. Niall and Anita had bought a full chocolate gateau to help celebrate Pat’s birthday. How nice was that?
Moving on
We have taken out the contact details because since our visit. Bachuil House has closed. And as far as we can gather Kiki has moved on from the café. We need to revisit the island when all this coronavirus stuff is cleared up. Peculiar to think that it was in the middle of March that we were at Tobermory on the Isle of Mull and since then we have barely been out of the house. We are quite enjoying it now. Hope you all are as well.
LISMORE SHED
On my way to the ferry terminal. I need a good drive to test my eye-sight.
Hi Billy and Pat
Serious bad news. I was in Lismore in May 2016 and the Liosbeag Café is now called the Liosmor Café and wait for this – they do not do scones. I remember the lack of scones well as it was not long after your blog and I had raised expectations amongst my companions. Some you win and some you lose.
Should we pool resources and hire a sleuth to track down Kiki McCall?
Scones or no scones any visit to Lismore will not disappoint.
Stay safe.
The Laird.
I had heard of changes at Liosbeag but had no first-hand knowledge. Apologies for the raised expectations must have been a bit of a blow to all concerned. Last we heard of Kiki she had a burger van at the ferry terminal and was running it along with the Baroness of Bachuil. Things are always pretty fluid on the islands.
This was a lovely visit and of course the cake and company on my birthday was superb. Niall was quite a character and his wife Anita a lovely lady who seemed to do all the work. The scones and cake were delicious. Can’t believe it was 5 years ago, my how time passes.
It seems to pass ever so quickly in this lockdown. No sooner have we heard the fishman’s whistle on a Wednesday night, letting us know he has arrived than it’s the next again week and he’s back. Where does the time go. We have been so lucky with the weather during this time we have had to spend at home. Can you imagine what it would have been like if it had been raining and we were stuck inside.
Oh well nothing else for it, I’m away to sit in the sun for another hectic day. Until next time …………
Love the post as normal. Lockdown Level 4 in NZ was very enjoyable also, once you got over the enforced stay at home feeling. And the weather was superb also. We heading into Level 1 10th June, have no idea what that will allow and will life ever be the same as the world seems to be imploding. America, Brazil, Hongkong.. why is the human race so unkind???. Enjoy your peace in your beautiful courtyard 🌞
NZ handling of the crisis seems eminently sensible when compared with the shambles over here. As for the rest of the world, why indeed? Hope Ossie’s leg has recovered, stay safe.