On the West Coast of Scotland and built around a picturesque bay lies the Town of Oban. It is traditionally known as the 'Gateway to the Isles' although the name was derived from the gaelic phrase "An Ob" which means "little bay." Overlooking the town can be seen the grey stone walls of McCaigs Tower which was, originally, built in 1897 but today remains unfinished after the death of its mastermind Jon S. McCaig. The walls now enclose a Park which is open to the public and affords absolutely spectacular views of the town and its surrounding Islands. On Corran Esplanade, directly adjacent to the calming waves of the north sea lies St. Columba's Cathedral which was designed in a neolithic style and constructed in granite. Centuries of Scottish history are to be glimpsed by travellers here with a visit to the local castles of Dunollie and Dunstaffnage. Another prominent feature of the town is the local Whiskey distillery that offers tasting tours and a surprising look into the ancient past. The remains of dwellers and the tools they were using from around 4500 BC were discovered here when workers were digging into the cliff-face to expand the building.
The Town itself started to form into its present incarnation during the Victorian period. The invention of steam ships in that period allowed for Oban to be used as a resting place in the scenic journey between the Low and Highlands. From before that period and still today the western Isles which include Mull, Coll and Islay have used the town as an important point of access to the mainland. 1880 saw the building of a Railway and firmly placed Oban as an important resting place for all journeys involving the Highlands and Islands to the western side of the central belt. To define the surrounding scenery of Oban as stunning would not be an overstatement as the vista is truly incredible. There is a wide variety of sea dwelling inhabitants which live in the waters surrounding the Hebrides, these includes Dolphins, seals and Basking sharks. A sea safari to see these creatures in their natural habitat leaves from Corran Esplanade near the Cathedral.
As noted before the town was heavily changed in both appearance and function during the Victorian period. A fact which this is seen manifested in the Architecture. There is a distinct feeling of history which prevails around the bay as grand lodgings and exquisite views combine. Travellers to the town are well served with a number of Oban bed and breakfast guest houses and large hotels. You are guaranteed a high level of service and standards from a Bed and Breakfast in Oban, thanks to a large proportion of the local inhabitants relying on travellers and tourism for a fair share of their annual revenue. Oban's reputation as a tourist destination is well deserved thanks to its magnificent natural beauty and strategic location.
