OBAN – Gateway to the Islands
The bustling seaport of Oban is located in an attractive position on the Firth of Lorn looking out towards the islands of Kerrera and Mull beyond. Queen Victoria called it "...one of the finest spot''s we have seen." We are sure you will agree!
No visitor can forget their first view of the harbour as they crest the hill at Bealach-An-Righ, the avenue along which it is said the Scottish kings of old were paraded on their way to their tombs. The town lies in the beautiful setting of a wide, crescent-shaped bay which is backed by steep hills and protected by the island of Kerrera, just offshore. Oban is known, for good reason, as the “Charing Cross of the Highlands” or more romantically as “the gateway to the Islands”. Whichever name you choose it will reflect the importance of Oban to the ferry connections to the islands of the Inner and Outer Hebrides. The comings and goings of the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry fleet provide a fascinating diversion for both visitors and locals alike.
For the more energetic there are stunning views to be enjoyed from McCaig’s Tower, the folly that stands overlooking the bay. Built in the late 19th Century as a means of providing employment for unemployed stonemasons it was never finished and today it presents a passing resemblance to the Coliseum in Rome.
If you enjoy a glass of Scotch then you’ll probably want to visit Oban Malt Whisky Distillery where Scotland’s national drink has been produced since 1794. You can tour the distillery and enjoy a taste of the end product too!
The Oban War and Peace Museum traces life in Oban through the ages, including World War II when the town was an important base for flying boats.
If you would like to venture further afield a short ferry journey will take you to the Island of Mull where it is possible to visit the wonderfully sited Duart Castle, which dates from the 13th century and is the ancestral seat of the Clan Maclean. Close to the ferry port of Craignure, the castle is a familiar landmark to those arriving from Oban by ferry. Tours of the interior reward visitors with displays of fascinating artefacts and relics relating to the building''s tempestuous history.
The waters around Oban and Mull, and their numerous islands, are home to some of Europe''s finest wildlife watching opportunities. Whale-watching is an increasingly popular activity and sightings are commonplace. Dolphins and porpoises are also abundant in summer months, with seals resident year-round. Mull offers visitors the chance to encounter the mighty white-tailed eagle, along with otters, red deer and the occasional osprey. Offshore, the Treshnish Isles support huge colonies of guillemots and razorbills, along with some of the tamest puffins you''re ever likely to encounter!
