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 1/4 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.