Adventure, stunning scenery, and the even more stunning seafood, await
When you think of Scotland there’s plenty that springs to mind. Yet as with any other dream destination, there are those aspects that go under the radar and are therefore criminally underrated. In this case, step forward Oban. Undoubtedly the jewel of the region of Argyll and Bute, you’ll find a warm welcome, an even warmer hospitality industry, and activities aplenty.
Whether you’re the outdoors or indoors type (and let’s face it, most of the year you’d be the latter), there’s something for you here. If, in true Scottish fashion, you’re okay with the constant threat of inclement weather, there’s no reason for you to bypass this gem of a town, especially when there’s an old Blockbusters, now the local SNP office, to gawp at.
So what’s awfully good? Well for starters, it’s a phrase you’re far more likely to hear spoken in Orpington rather than Oban, but it’s a fair description of the hive of activity this small coastal town is. With the sea almost meeting the Highlands, and forests tucked in, wildlife rejoices. Naturally, it’s a birdwatcher’s paradise, but what may come as a shock is that this is also a haven for shark diving!
These are the harmless basking sharks, attracted to these parts by the warm gulf stream during spring and summer. It’s a fair boat ride to their feeding grounds, but certainly worth a day of your time – or a whole week at sea if you fancy. If sharks are too much of an adrenaline rush, there’s always dolphin and whale watching, whilst the mysterious Fingal’s Cave is well worth a look.
Kayaking and fishing are also popular marine activities here, but if you prefer dry land, why not take in the views from McCaig’s Tower, or just settle for some good old-fashioned hiking. Whatever you choose to pursue, you can be sure Oban will have your back – literally – as B&Bs are eveywhere. A special mention must go to Heatherfield House located on Albert Road. With some gorgeous green surroundings, hospitality and attentiveness are definitely the watchwords here, and with kippers available for breakfast it truly is Oban in bed.
Okay, Oban isn’t exactly challenging Glasgow or Edinburgh when it comes to a party – it’s just not that sort of place – but there’s a fine selection of local bars to satisfy those after a night on the tiles, including what has to be the best Wetherspoon’s going. Ever drank a pint of ale inside a ship? At The Corryvreckan you can well and truly cross that off the bucket list (at least that’s how it feels). If, aprés-pub, you fancy taking home a true souvenir of the area, head on down to the Whiskey Shop, where a better selection and more knowledgeable staff you’ll do well to find.
But it’s Oban’s culinary scene which really shines. If you hear a chef on TV (particularly a Scottish one) singing the praises of ‘local produce’, it’s likely they’ve been here because it’s just a natural chef’s larder. Land or sea, it’s on a plate. Highlights include the incentive gastro pub Cuan Amor, seafood joint EE-USK (pronounced ooshk), and local favourite Coast. For the freshest seafood you’ll ever taste, there’s a couple of stalls on the pier….. heck, even Rick Stein once decreed The Oban Fish & Chips Shop the best he’s ever tasted. Who needs a flashy, imaginative name when the food’s that good?
In the unlikely event that you get sick of the place, there’s the convenience of the CalMac ferry port bang in the centre, which is your gateway to island-hopping the likes of Skye, Mull and Tiree. Still, Oban truly is a special slice of Scotland, where really, only the sea can make you sick.
The Early Whistle 