John Noble was an oyster grower and the founder of Loch Fyne Oysters and Loch Fyne Restaurants; he was also the laird of Ardkinglas, the Argyllshire estate on the shores of Loch Fyne.

In 1978, Noble was looking for a way to help support the estate, which he had inherited, along with considerable debts, from his father.

He thought to lay an oyster bed. Oysters, had once been a cheap staple in Victorian Britain and John wanted to make them popular again

However, when he shared his plans with the bank, they were unimpressed. "Everyone must have a hobby, Mr Noble," they responded. This statement is painted on the wall on today’s oyster bar

Nevertheless, the business grew from a few hundred seed oysters to flourishing venture we know today branching out to oak-smoked salmon, mussels, langoustines and many other delectable delicacies

In 1980, an oyster bar was also opened at Loch Fyne. It began as an umbrella and a trestle table and was then transferred to a nearby cowshed. Soon the venture had become a restaurant serving oysters on ice and fresh seafood in simple surroundings. Today, Loch Fyne restaurants can be found in many locations around the UK

I am lucky enough to have Loch Fyne within a short driving distance from my home in Glasgow and like to take a trip up when an occasion can be conjured up

I had a most enjoyable lunch with my lovely sister Cheryl and pal Andrea who were over to stay from Ireland, enjoying a large but scrumptous whole crab to which my sister Diane remarked ‘Where do you start? I feel I’d have to introduce myself first!’

This week, we had a rare spell of sunny days in Scotland and this had to be celebrated with another trip to Loch Fyne for their annual Food Fair

In the bustling food tent visitors are invited to feast upon the surrounding produce which included oysters, mussels and salmon from the nearby loch plus venison and game from the surrounding glens to sounds of bagpipers in the background.