Out & About

The Town Centre

Buzzing with cafes and local restaurants, there is much to see and do in the centre of Oban.  Choose to browse in the shops, walk along the seafront, or take in some of the highlights below:

Oban Distillery

Nestling beneath the steep cliff that overlooks Oban you will find the Oban Distillery – one of Scotland’s oldest sources of single malt Scotch whisky.  You can be taken around the Distillery by a guide, learning about each stage of the whisky making process.  At the end of your visit you will finish with a sample of the Distillery’s Oban 14 year old single malt.  http://www.discovering-distilleries.com/oban/

McCaig’s Tower

Overlooking the bay and offering spectacular views stands Oban’s landmark, McCaig’s Tower; a gothic Colosseum built 1897 but never fully completed. The structure was commissioned by wealthy banker John Stuart McCaig, who wanted to provide lasting monument to his family, and provide work for the local stonemasons during the winter months.  A lover of Roman and Greek architecture, his death brought an end to construction with only the outer walls completed.  www.obanargyll.com/mccaigs-tower.html

Dunollie Castle

Dunollie Castle is situated about ten minutes walk from Glenburnie.  It was the seat of the MacDougalls, the Lords of Lorne, who once owned a third of Scotland. You have to climb a small hill to reach the ruins, but it’s well worth it for the view overlooking the northern entrance of Oban harbour.

Dunollie House

Situated minutes walk from Dunollie Castle, Duonollie House is the seat of the Clan MacDougall and home of The Hope MacDougall collection.   The 1745 House at Dunollie is a new museum and cultural centre in the former servants’ quarters of the house. Exhibitions and a range of activities for all ages, showcasing the heritage and collections at Dunollie.  This includes the renowned Hope MacDougall Collection, a fascinating social history collection drawn from the Highlands and Islands. www.dunollie.org

Kayaking

Oban is perfect for sea kayaking.  The National Kayak School is based in the town centre and offers everything for beginners to advanced Kayakers.  It’s great fun and is a super way of visiting beautiful places that are otherwise often challenging to access.  No kit?  Don’t worry – the school can provide everything that you need for your time on the water. www.nationalkayakschool.com