Oban,in argyll and bute is a small harbour town on the west coast of scotland. Derived from the gaelic phrase "An Ob" meaning "little bay" and colloquially known as the 'Gateway to the isles' The skyline is dominated by the walls of McCaigs Tower built in 1897 but unfinished after the death of the Banker Jon S. McCaig. McCaigs Folly as it is affectionately termed is currently a Public Garden with spectacular views of Oban bay and the Islands. Other buildings of note include Saint Columba's Cathedral situated on Corran Esplanade, constructed with pink granite and designed in a neo-gothic style. The local castles of Dunstaffnage and Dunollie offer visitors to the town an insight into Centuries of Scottish history. The local whiskey distillery offers visitors tasting tours and a surprising insight into the neolothic life of the area. Workers who were expanding the distillery buildings by cutting into the cliff-face discovered a cave with human remainds and implements dated to appx 4500 BC.
The Victorian period heralded the beginning of the Town as it can be seen today. It was used as a stopping point for Steam ships as they made the journey between Glasgow and Inverness. Oban has historically been an important point of embarcation to the islands and today is still the primary port operating car ferries to the western isles including Mull, Coll, Tiree, Lismore and Islay., With the arrival of the railway in 1880 the town was firmly planted as an important geographical stopping point not only for the islands but also the Lowlands to Highlands. The scenery to be found around Oban, either whilst travelling in or out and by road or sea is breathtaking. The surrounding rich waters of the inner hebrides whose ihabitants include Dolphins, Seals Basking Sharks can even Minke Whales can be enjoyed with a sea safari which leaves from Oban's Corran Esplanade.
The Architecture of the town is primarily influenced by the Victorian period and offer Grand and picturesque lodgings with exquisite views of the bay and surrounding scenery. There are a plethora of Guest Houses offering Bed and Breakfast in Oban as well as much larger Hotels. In fact Oban bed and breakfast establishments are a main source of revenue to a fair proportion of the local inhabitants and you will always find a high standard of service from a b&b in Oban. The Town is now firmly entrenced as a Tourist destination not only because of it's serene natural beauty but also it's strategic location for travellers.
