Place in Argyll and Bute, Scotland
| Coordinates: | 56.41, -5.476 |
|---|---|
| OS grid ref: | NM 85 29 |
| Population: | 8,540 |
| Dialling code: | 01631 |
Oban is a compact harbour town on the west coast of Scotland, in the council area of Argyll and Bute. Perched on the sheltered bay of Loch Linnhe, it’s often described as the "Gateway to the Isles" thanks to regular ferries to the Isle of Mull, Iona and Colonsay, and its waterfront gives striking views across the Firth and surrounding hills.
The town grew rapidly in the Victorian era and still shows that legacy in its stone buildings and promenades; the tower-like folly of McCaig's Tower looks down over the harbour. Economically and culturally, Oban mixes a busy fishing fleet and seafood trade with tourism, whisky (notably the Oban Distillery) and a strong seafaring and Gaelic heritage that shapes local festivals, music and food.