Oban

Oban is a wonderful resort town situated on an attractive and sheltered bay and overlooking the nearby islands. It is known as the seafood capital of Scotland and Gateway to the Isles.

The bay is calm and a popular place for yachts to stop. You could easily spend a weekend in and around Oban visiting its many places of interest.

Where to visit

MCCAIG'S TOWER

Overlooking the town is Oban Hill with ‘McCaig’s Folly’ as its crown. The tower is a replica of the Colosseum of Rome.

A banker called John McCaig had it built between 1897 and 1900 as a memorial to his family and to provide employment for the townsmen. He was born on the nearby island of Lismore.

It’s quite a steep climb to the top of the hill, but there are a couple of benches where you can sit and get your breath back. On a clear day you can see over to Mull.

PULPIT HILL VIEWPOINT

Along with McCaig's Tower, Pulpit Hill to the south of the town is the other impressive viewpoint with amazing views over Oban and the sea.

ISLAND TRIPS

There are a number of other destinations easily accessible from Oban by Caledonian MacBrayne ferries. In fact a visit without one of these added trips would be a missed opportunity.

Mull is the largest island, with its famous neighbour, Iona. There are also many other islands where you can go to escape the crowds and experience nature, peace and quiet: Lismore, Colonsay, Coll, Tiree, Barra and South Uist.

See our Guide to the Outer Hebrides (Western Isles) and Guide to the Inner Hebrides.

SIGHTSEEING TOURS

Various coach tours depart from Oban with West Coast Tours, including wildlife watching, visits to the islands and nearby attractions.

WILDLIFE BOAT TRIPS

The coast around Oban is ideal for spotting seals, whales, sharks, dolphins and porpoises. There are many operators offering boat trips - head down to the North Pier to browse options.

OBAN DISTILLERY

Founded in 1794, this is one of the oldest and smallest distilleries in Scotland and predates the town.

They produce single malt whiskies including 14 year and 18 year old. Tours and tastings are available, and there is also a shop and bar on site.

ST JOHN'S CATHEDRAL

Work on this interesting building finished when funds were exhausted in 1910. By then only the sanctuary, chancel, one transept and one bay of the nave were completed.

This was knitted in to the existing building. However, the existing building was twelve foot lower than the Sanctuary, and orientated at right angles to the new structure, which had to be buttressed by remarkable riveted girders.

Two major campaigns to rebuild or complete the building have not been successful. One, the famous Oban Cathedral Fund Appeal run from Staten Island, New York, foundered in the Crash on Wall Street.

The other, led by two Highland Chiefs, only raised funds sufficient to improve the existing structure, including the creation of the narthex.

OBAN WAR & PEACE MUSEUM

The museum is housed in the Old Oban Times building on the Esplanade and adjacent to North Pier.

Here you can learn about the fishing and maritime industries, the railway, local sports, and the role played by Oban during the war years with the presence of the RAF as well as Australian, Canadian and US aircrew.

WALKS AROUND OBAN

The excellent Wee Walk Oban website lists walks ranging from 30 minutes to 4 hours, all starting and ending at the clocktower near the train station.

Also available is a free audio guided walk around Oban which starts at the North Pier.

OBAN CHOCOLATE COMPANY

This independent chocolate factory has a small shop and cafe where it is possible to watch the handmade production through a viewing window. Anyone for a marmite chocolate?!

NEARBY DUNOLLIE MUSEUM, CASTLE & GROUNDS

Dunollie castle is a medieval ruined castle on the cliffs with wonderful views. Located in the Laird’s House is a museum covering Highland social history as well as Clan MacDougall material.

You can also explore the beautiful woodland grounds, as well as visit the Draper’s Shop and cafe.

It is a pleasant 20 minutes' walk along the esplanade as far as the War Memorial, followed by 10 minutes along the Old Carriageway Footpath.

It is possible to catch a bus as far as the War Memorial - see West Coast Motors service 417 and alight at stop 'War Memorial'.

NEARBY GANAVAN SANDS

This is a pleasant sandy beach with good views to Mull, Lismore and Morven. We recommend catching a bus as part of the walk is along a busy road with no pavement.

See West Coast Motors service 417 and alight at stop 'Ganavan Sands'.

NEARBY DUNSTAFFNAGE CASTLE AND CHAPEL

The castle is located in nearby Dunbeg overlooking Firth of Lorn. It is one of Scotland’s oldest stone castles, built in the 13th century for the powerful MacDougalls.

It was besieged by Robert the Bruce around 1308 and in 1746 held Flora MacDonald for a few days after her arrest for helping Bonnie Prince Charlie escape.

The Northwest tower is currently closed (October 2025).

It is 10 minutes' bus journey from Oban to Dunbeg followed by a 20 minute walk. See West Coast Motors service 005 and alight at stop 'MacCallum Court'.

OCEAN EXPLORER CENTRE

On the walk to Dunstaffnage Castle you will pass this free visitor centre. Here you can learn all about marine science through interactive exhibits, demonstrations and a cinema. There is also a cafe and shop.