AS KIM Jong-un lifts his middle finger to the Western world, I find myself planning a perfect weekend before Armageddon. My checklist includes Scottish seafood, Scottish gin, local ales and music.

As if by magic, the dude in the sky has delivered on all of these with one event… maybe it’s a sign, maybe it’s just rural genius at work. Either way, I’m grabbing it with both hands for September 15 is the launch of the Stranraer Oyster Festival weekend and there’s so much going on I can’t fit it all into this column. Tasty oysters from Loch Ryan will be washed down by Hills and Harbour gin and fantastic local ales from Portpatrick’s brewery.

There’s champagne on offer, giant seafood paellas, wild foraging classes, cooking masterclasses and a bucketload of activities for children including an appearance by Mr Bloom from CBeebies. For the adults, Hardeep Singh Kohli will host with his usual flair and cook up some intriguing oyster pakoras.

I’ll definitely be having some of Hills and Harbour's signature Fancy Dan serve – a G&T with a slice of mango sprinkled with toasted Sichuan pepper powder. If you can’t make it down, make your own Mangotini instead. Shake-up a generous measure of gin, a few fresh ripe mango chunks, a little sugar and some lemon juice for balance, and pour into a cocktail glass. Add a slice of fresh chilli into the mix. It tastes even better when accompanied by Loch Ryan oysters.

I’m bowled over with excitement about this event, which also has the potential to provide a huge boost to Stranraer’s economy and serves as a reminder of the wonders we have on our doorstep. Get down, absorb the wonders and then hightail it back to the air raid shelters. What a way to go.

Graham Suttle is the managing director of Kained Holdings which has nine venues including The Finnieston and Porter & Rye in Glasgow