Oban is known by some as the "Gateway to the Islands”. It’s other nickname of "The Charing Cross of the Highlands” will give you a flavour of the hustle and bustle that you will experience when we visit this busy, but attractive, fishing port. Oban is the main base for Caledonian MacBrayne''s network of ferry services to the Outer and Western Hebrides. The comings and goings of the ferries make people watching at the pier a particularly interesting hobby for many – visitors and locals alike.
Oban
is a Victorian town. It was originally established as a fishing station, but it
was with the arrival of the steamer services to the islands and the railway
that Oban became noteworthy.
Perched
high above the town a Coliseum like structure called McCaig’s Folly. It was
built by a local businessman to create work for the local people and also to
build a memorial to his family. Unfortunately McCaig ran out of money before it could be finished and so
his dream remains incomplete. The tower does, however, provide wonderful
panoramic views over Oban Bay, which is ample
reward for those who make the effort to climb to the top of the hill.
Tours that visit the Oban:
From Edinburgh
Oban and the Western Highlands (1 day)Road to the Isles (5 days)
From Glasgow
Oban and the Western Highlands (1 day)Road to the Isles (5 days)