Lets speak of Oban: Gateway to the Isles
Its a fine wee town, in its own right: but to me it is also the magical portal to a different world..
Oban is the gateway to one of the worlds last great remaining wild places, and here are just a few of the hundreds of different birds and marine mammals you can see in just a few hours sail from the harbour.
So, Oban is not just a destination, it is also the magical portal to some marvellous scenery and wildlife exploration.
Lets start with the town: quite modest in size, (Population under 10k) but rather unusual: as crowned by a grand folly. (seen below) It was built to provide employment to the locals during the Great Depression, I gather.
The town itself is quite remote, so it is a market town and gathering place for the vast hinterland of small villages and farms, and has a great collection of hotels, hostelries, pubs and shops to suit all tastes. Tourism is very important: many coach tours and travellers put Oban on their itinerary.
The harbour is crucial: this is the home base for many ferries and fishermen, as well as leisure sailors. It is probably the prime port in the entire West of Scotland for tall ships and wildlife cruises.
An
Its pleasant to walk around the harbour at dusk.
And to consider the many delights that are offered in the local pubs… oh, and the beer, too!
So, I’ll see you there, one day, and enjoy a dram!
Yes, a great place, and maybe too many of us just use it as a base for trips to the islands.