Oban is the undisputed gateway to the Scottish Islands — a lively, characterful small town on the west coast of Argyll, whose horseshoe bay, ferry terminal and extraordinary position among the mountains and islands of the West Highlands have made it one of the most visited towns in Scotland. Known as the 'Gateway to the Isles', Oban is the main ferry port for the Inner Hebrides — Mull, Iona, Colonsay, Lismore and Kerrera are all served from the town's pier.
The town is dominated by McCaig's Tower — an extraordinary circular colosseum-like structure on the hill above the town, built in 1897 by local banker John Stuart McCaig to provide employment for local stonemasons and as a memorial to his family. Unfinished, and never used for any purpose, it has become the town's defining landmark and gives extraordinary views over the bay, the islands and the mountains. The town's seafront — with CalMac ferries departing for the islands, fishing boats, seal colonies and the backdrop of the Isle of Mull — is one of the great Scottish coastal scenes.
Oban is also Scotland's seafood capital — the famous Oban Seafood Hut (a converted CalMac waiting room on the pier) serves some of the freshest and finest seafood in Scotland. The Oban Distillery, one of Scotland's oldest, sits in the heart of the town and produces the distinctive peaty west coast malt that bears the town's name.
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Who is Oban Good For?
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VisitBritain- McCaig's TowerOban's extraordinary rooftop colosseum — a circular Victorian folly built in 1897 that was never completed or used. The hilltop views over the bay, Mull and the islands are the finest in the town.
- Ferry to the IslandsOban is the main CalMac ferry port for the Inner Hebrides — regular sailings to Mull, Iona, Colonsay, Lismore and Kerrera. Day trips to Iona and Mull are among the great Scottish experiences.
- Oban Seafood HutA converted CalMac waiting room on the pier selling the freshest possible lobster, crab, langoustines and scallops straight from the boats. One of Scotland's most celebrated seafood experiences.
- Oban DistilleryOne of Scotland's oldest distilleries (1794), sitting in the heart of the town. The 14-year-old Oban single malt is one of the great west coast whiskies — guided tours and tastings available.
- Seal & Wildlife WatchingCommon and grey seals haul out on the rocks around Kerrera island, visible from the town. Sea eagle, golden eagle, otter, porpoise and minke whale are all regularly sighted in the surrounding waters.
- Isle of Mull & IonaA 45-minute ferry to Mull gives access to one of Scotland's most spectacular islands — and from Mull, a short ferry crosses to Iona, the cradle of Scottish Christianity, with its ancient abbey.
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