Add oats and soda to buttermilk. Let stand 5 minutes. Sift together flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Add sifted dry ingredients, shortening and eggs to oats mixture. Stir until combined. For each pancake, pour about quarter cup batter onto hot, lightly greased griddle. Bake to a golden brown, turning only once. Serve hot with butter and syrup. Makes 14 to 16 pancakes.