History - Oban
is a small harbour town, whith its' skyline dominated by the forty foot
walls of McCaig’s Folly. Built in 1897 by the wealthy banker Jon
S McCaig, the folly is now a public garden. Saint Columba’s Cathedral
was designed in neo-gothic style by Giles Gilbert Scott and built using
pink granite, it sits proudly on Corran Esplanade. The castles of Dunstaffnage
and Dunollie offer visitors a glimpse into Scottish history. Oban bustles
in the summer and its tourist information office is said to be the second
busiest in Scotland. Car ferries operating from the south pier ship visitors
to Mull, Coll, Tiree, Barra, South Uist, Colonsay, Lismore and Islay.
These windswept and interesting islands stud a rugged coastline defiant
in the face of the frequent wild weather. There is plenty to see and do
in Oban, and if it rains, where better to seek shelter than the town’s
distillery? The perfect excuse for a wee dram.
Oban Distillery
- Oban distillery is one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland and it is
situated right at the heart of Oban. The town actually grew up around the
distillery which dates back to 1794.appreciated Owners and Managers to the
present times have appreciated the tradition of community involvement and
hospitality, founders of the distillery John and Hugh Stevenson were also
founders of the town itself. In 1883 J. Walter Higgin purchased the distillery.
The distillery is progressing work on a 'visitor experience' where visitors
to the distillery will explore what happens in the process to produce Oban
single malt.
Kayaking
- Try kayaking with one of the countries best coaches, Rowland Woollven
who is a British Canoe Union Level 5 Sea Kayak Coach. He specialises in
individual and small group sea kayak coaching and guided tours in the Oban
area and on the west coast of Scotland. People of all levels of experience
are catered for from complete beginner to the more experienced, from a gentle
early morning or evening paddle to those wanting to experience the more
exciting and demanding waters in the local area. Sessions may vary depending
on experience but could be a half day, full day or even multi-day.
Isle of Mull, The
Oban ferry lands at Craignure, almost at the eastern corner of the island
which is 35 miles south west to Fionnphort where you catch the ferry to
Iona and 21 miles north west to Balamory or Tobermory. Many drivers, especially
those new to Scotland, are surprised by the roads of Mull which are single
track. This includes the main route from Craignure to Balamory or Tobermory
which covers about 8 miles of single track.
Iona Abbey -
Columba came from Ireland in 563 to Iona where he founded a monastery.
This grew quickly to become one of the largest religious centres in western
Europe. Amazingly from this base Monks set up other religious centres
as far away as Switzerland. Prior to 800 the Monks where prolific writers.
Not only did they write The Chronicle of Ireland in circa 740 they also
wrote the Book of Kells which is a famous illuminated manuscript. It is
suggested that a Viking attack in 806 resulted in the death of all at
the monastery. If this massacre was not enough there are three more Viking
attacks within eleven years of this date. Iona, by the 13th century, had
become a Benedictine establishment. During the Protestant Reformation
in Scotland, Iona along with many other abbeys throughout Scotland, England,
Wales and Ireland were closed or destroyed. Unfortunately, lots of Iona's
buildings sacred or otherwise were demolished. Iona was granted to The
Church of Scotland in the 19th Century.
Duart Castle -
Stepping off the ferry at Craignure, those with a fascination for history
can enjoy ancient Duart Castle - once home to the Chief of the Clan MacLean
and boasting spectacular views from its battlements or Torosay Castle, final
destination of Scotland’s first island passenger railway.
scotland4me.net2007