Oban & Lorn

OBAN

Bustling with life and boasting some of the best views in Scotland, Oban has oodles to offer. Within walking distance of the Victorian town centre you can explore castles and cafes, enjoy brunch or the beach, and take your time browsing around the shops and uncovering local history and culture.

Known as the gateway to the isles, Oban’s sheltered bay makes a perfect harbour – there are step-ashore pontoons at the North Pier and CalMac ferries which glide in to the main terminal to take visitors on further-flung adventures – and the town has a vibrancy all of its own. Oban’s status as the unofficial capital of the west Highlands is relatively recent. It grew around a whisky distillery which opened in 1794 and is still open to visitors today. The town gained further momentum with the arrival of steam ships and trains which brought well-known visitors including Queen Victoria, who described it as “one of the finest spots we have seen”.

Oban confirmed its strategic importance in the Second World War, when it played a vital role in the Battle of the Atlantic, now remembered at the War and Peace Museum, which holds a collection of local artefacts and marks important events in the region’s past. A walk along the shoreline is a treat in itself. Head west along the esplanade and you will pass St Columba’s Cathedral and the town’s War Memorial before finding the 15th-century ruins of Dunollie Castle, an historic stronghold for the MacDougall clan that is now a highlight of the town’s cultural scene, and home to a 1745 house museum, pretty gardens, a cafe and a well-curated gift shop. Further west is Ganavan Sands, Oban’s popular beach, and the starting point for the Argyll Sea Kayak Trail (one of many watersports adventures available close by). Here, urban life feels far away. A cycle path connects the town to the neighbouring village of Dunbeg, home to the family-friendly Ocean Explorer Science Centre and Dunstaffnage Castle, a fortress once held by Robert the Bruce. Oban is popular with artists and performers, and its venues often attract better-known names than their intimate space might lead you to expect. The Corran Halls has a varied programme of shows, from ballet to stand-up comedy, and refurbished venue The View is a good place to head if you want a truly Scottish music and dance experience. The Oban Phoenix cinema shows the latest new release films and also organises special events, while Atlantis Leisure is packed with options for active families, with a play park outside and swimming pool and soft play area indoors. Alternatively head for the shops, and enjoy browsing in historic waterfront buildings – there’s everything you need here, from quirky independent shops selling gifts and local produce, to outlets offering any outdoor equipment you need for your holiday. As well as the regular Caledonian MacBrayne ferries, Oban plays host to some magnificent tall ships, ex-herring drifters, cruise liners, and occasionally the Waverley paddle steamer. One of the most memorable features of a trip to Oban is its magical sunsets. Every evening is different and McCaig’s Tower, the Colisseum-like structure at the top of the town, is the ideal point from which to enjoy one. Soak up the light and look out to the Isle of Kerrera and the hills of Mull beyond.

Gylen Castle, Isle of Kerrera

KERRERA

e island of Kerrera is so close to Oban that you can almost touch it, and it is easy to reach via a short ferry trip. It is tranquil, scenic contrast from town, and an accessible rst taste of the Hebrides, with a tea room, restaurant and bunkhouse. At just three miles long, is easy to explore via the footpath that loops the coastline and passes the formidable Gylen castle.

DIARY DATE:

Oban Winter Festival 18th - 27th November Festival action takes place mainly in town - walking is a fantastic way to get around. Discover the great shopping, bars and restaurants that make this town tick, take a tour of the local distillery and sample our national drink, or a relaxing co ee in one of our many cafes, soaking up the beautiful view of the bay. Events vary each day from family favourites like the Reindeer Parade and Christmas light switch on to the ceilidhs and light shows. Visit www. obanwinterfestival.com