Earlier this year, a panel of independent judges – brought together by awards organisers, STP – had the difficult task of choosing Scotland’s ‘Town of the Year’.
There were many candidates it could have gone to, each of which have their own unique character and accolades. But after careful consideration, the quaint, seaside town of Oban was crowned the winner. This comes after a remarkable year in which Oban has made its name on the global stage, playing host to Scotland’s Royal National Mod festival – celebrating Gaelic culture – and seeing a multi-million-pound economic boost as a port in ‘The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race’.
So if you’re hiring a motorhome in Scotland in the near future, should Oban be one of the places you visit?
Visiting Oban
We’re going to start this by saying: yes. Absolutely. While there should be numerous solidified locations on your to-visit list – including Edinburgh, Loch Ness, Ben Nevis, the Isle of Skye, and more – we have always recommended exploring the heart of Scotland and touring the less ‘touristy’ spots.
Oban is a gorgeous town on Scotland’s western coast, full of character, history, and breathtaking natural beauty. Nestled along a horseshoe-shaped cove, it boasts some incredible views of the surrounding waters and islands, especially during sunset, when a magical glow is cast over the bay.
Dining and Drinks
Speaking of the sea, Oban has also earned a reputation as Scotland’s seafood capital, with fresh catches from local waters served daily. If you’re into your seafood, there are several fantastic restaurants – including Oban Seafood Hut, Ee-Usk, and the Waterfront Fishouse – each of which gives you the chance to try everything from local oysters, mussels, lobsters, and langoustines, often caught just off the coast that very same day.
Apart from these delightful dining options, Oban is also known for having one of Scotland’s oldest and most picturesque whisky distilleries. The Oban Distillery was founded in 1794, nestled right in the heart of the town, and its open daily for guided tours, where you can learn all about the traditional whisky-making process, from the malting of the barley to the ageing in the oak casks.
For anyone interested in Scotland’s national drink – or simply experiencing a piece of Scotland’s heritage in one scenic setting – this is a must-see that, in itself, would make a visit to Oban worth it.
Historic Sites
But, of course, Oban didn’t win ‘Town of the Year’ just for its sunsets, restaurants, and whisky distillery – although, in our opinion, that would have been enough! One of the most alluring things about this location is its abundance of historic sites.
Just a short drive from the town centre, for instance, you’ll find the magnificent Dunstaffnage Castle – a striking 13th-century fortress that once played a key role in Scottish history. Perched on a rocky promontory overlooking Loch Etive, this is a great spot to visit if you’re interested in the story of Bonnie Prince Charlie, the Jacobite uprising, complete with some scenic views of the nearby lochs and forests.
In addition to this, a little further up the track, you can visit the picturesque Castle Stalker, which is nestled on a tiny islet in Loch Laich. Due to its fairytale-like structure, this is one of the most photographed spots in Scotland, making it a perfect destination if you’re looking for that quintessential Scottish family photo.
If castles aren’t your thing, there’s also McCaig’s Tower – a prominent local landmark inspired by Roman architecture – Dunollie Castle – a ruined 15th-century fortress overlooking Oban Bay – and the Oban War and Peace Museum – which provides detailed insights into Oban’s role during WWII as a base for the Royal Navy.
Oban: A New ‘Must-See’ Town
‘Scotland Loves Local’ cited a number of reasons for awarding Oban ‘Town of the Year’, with one of the most prevalent being the people themselves – who are ‘at the heart of keeping the town thriving’.
In our opinion, this is simply a gorgeous town that has become one of the new ‘must-sees’ for anyone wanting a proper look into the beating heart of Scotland. Whether it’s the charming locals, the stunning coastal landscapes, or the rich historical sites, Oban offers an authentic Scottish experience that’s hard to match.
For you, of course, that might be a bit of a problem, as we’re sure you already have numerous places mapped out to visit! But we’d recommend that you at least spend a day in Oban. Soak up the atmosphere, check out the restaurants, visit the bay. And then go! Because that one day could easily become two, then three, until your whole itinerary is in tatters!
