‘Wow. That’s a lot of questions. Okay, let me think. One by one?’ Hal grinned.
‘How many people are we expecting at May Day?’ Deb smiled, holding up one finger.
‘About three hundred or so.’
‘All right.’ She’d organised events for more people in her time, though three hundred was quite a lot.
‘From what time, until when?’
‘I’d say five p.m. tae late. Often, it’s the early hours. Three, four a.m.? I dinnae put an end time on it. At a certain point, I just go tae bed and leave ’em tae it.’
‘Free bar and catering?’
‘Aye, of course. All on me.’
‘Ceilidh?’
‘There’d be an outcry if there wasnae.’
‘Okay… let’s see. Serving staff?’
‘I’ll give ye the name of the firm I usually use. An’ the contacts fer the band, an’ Dotty an’ Eric in the village – at the Loch Cameron Inn? They’ll run the bar.’ The laird fed some cake to Finnegan the dog, who had been waiting patiently at his heels.
‘That would be great, thanks. Yes to all helpful contacts, especially if they’ve done the event before.’
‘Aye, o’ course. I recite a poem too, do a bit o’ performance. I did it once years back, an’ people seem tae expect it now. So…’ He shrugged.
‘That must be quite a sight,’ Deb chuckled.
‘Ha. Ah do my best.’ Hal stroked Finnegan’s ears. ‘So Zelda tells me yer quite the pro at this kindae thing. I was thinkin’, we have our traditions, but by all means feel free tae suggest different activities. I’m open tae suggestions.’
‘Hm. Well, I did think about maybe a signature cocktail for the event. Seeing as you’ve got a local distillery here, I think? That might be nice?’ Deb suggested. ‘And I don’t know if you usually do goody bags, or small gifts, but that might be good? If you have the budget?’
‘Aye, the budget can stretch.’ Hal nodded. ‘The Loch Cameron Whisky Distillery, aye. Ben Douglas is the owner, an’ his partner Liz. They’re great, an’ I’m sure Liz would be up for helpin’ out. You should give her a call.’
‘I will. That’s great. Whisky cocktails, of course. With a yummy non-alcoholic alternative.’
‘Goes without sayin,’ the laird chuckled.
‘And if there are other local business owners you think would be interested in helping, that would be great,’ Deb continued. ‘I guess in this situation, though, you’re the local landowner, so all permissions just go through you?’
‘That’s right.’ Hal nodded. ‘Though I’ve sold off some land recently to a developer. But that shouldnae affect anythin’.’
‘Oh, really? Would the developer be interested in sponsoring the party, maybe? I mean, I know you have a generous budget, but there’s no harm in suggesting it. Sometimes, companies like to sponsor an event to develop a good relationship with the community, or just get brand exposure.’
‘Hm. In this case, I’d appreciate if ye didnae approach him,’ Hal said, shortly.
‘The developer?’ Deb asked, noting a subtle change in Hal’s voice. He seemed suddenly a little colder than his usual warm manner.
‘Aye. I dinnae think there’s much in the way of community spirit there.’ Hal sounded dismissive. ‘Zelda says hi, by the way. She’s sorry she couldnae make it today but she’s off in Edinburgh just now.’ He was changing the subject, and Deb briefly wondered why, but she supposed Hal had his reasons.
‘That’s all right. Say hi back, and I’ll see her soon, I hope.’
‘Aye. You might do, but we’re away to New York later this week,’ Hal explained.
‘What are you up to over there?’ Deb asked, curiously. ‘I mean… I assume it’s important, otherwise you wouldn’t be going.’
‘Aye, right. Yeah.’ Hal rubbed his beard with the back of his hand. ‘Zelda’s been asked to work on this interior design project for a celebrity client, so she’d be away a few weeks tae do that. Usually, I’d stay here, but she’s also up for an award at this posh magazine do. For her interiors. An’ apparently the award has a lot o’ press associated wi’ it, an’ they asked if I could be there. So, of course, I’ll go an’ support her.’
