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Oban is a small coastal with around 8500 people but due to its thriving tourist industry in the summer, its growing student population and as a rural hub it provides more facilities and services than its size would suggest.
Oban is connected via trains and buses to the main Scottish population centres of Glasgow and Edinburgh (both of which have international airports). A small airport at near-by Connel and the busy ferry port connect the town to many of the diverse Hebridean islands.
The town has a , a , numerous primary schools, nurseries, a modern leisure centre, a public library, and many pubs, shops and restaurants. The town hall () hosts touring and local cultural performances, festivals, fairs and conferences, and there is a two-screen modern .
The stunning scenery offers access to many outdoor pursuits.
Students usually find it relatively easy to gain temporary or permanent part-time jobs.
Information on Oban as a tourist destination:
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The has information on services such as schools, transport and leisure.
Oban is surrounded by a stunning environment and abundant wildlife. The area is also steeped in history and legend - as evidenced by the 350 ancient monuments, some dating back to the Neolithic, ca 45 mins south of Oban in Kilmartin Glen. The area was part of the Gaelic Scottish-Irish over-kingdom of Dal Riata in the 6th and 7th century and there is currently a resurrection of the Gaelic language on the west coast of Scotland and in particular in the Western Isles.
Oban lies towards the northern end of the Argyll and Bute Council area, bordering the Highland Council area and the ferry port connecting it to the Western Isles. As such living in Oban is a perfect base from where to explore the entire western parts of Scotland.
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How far from Oban to...
- >Crianlarich (Trossachs National Park - walking) - 40 miles
- >Crinan Canal (boating) - 36 miles
- >Edinburgh - 129 miles
- >Fort William (Ben Nevis: walking, climbing, skiing, mountain biking) - 44 miles
- >Glasgow - 92 miles
- >Glencoe (climbing, skiing, walking, history) - 34 miles
- >Glenfinnan monument (and 'Harry Potter' viaduct) - 60 miles
- >Inverness - 110 miles
- >Isle of Barra - ferry crossing: 4 hrs 45 mins
- >Isle of Coll - ferry crossing: 2 hrs 40 mins
- >Isle of Iona (resting place of Macbeth, birthplace of Celtic Christianity) - 46 mins ferry to Craignure, 71 mins bus to Fionnphort, 10 mins ferry to Iona
- >Isle of Mull (Craignure - wildlife) - ferry crossing: 46 mins
- >Isle of Skye (walking, history) - 165 miles
- >Isle of Tiree (windsurfing, July music festival)- ferry crossing: 3 hrs 50 mins
- >Kilmartin (archaeology) - 30 miles
- >Loch Ness (Drumnadrochit) - 94 miles
- >Stirling (castle, William Wallace monument etc) - 86 miles
The great outdoors
You will be able to do most kinds of sport in the area. At ²έΑρΙηΗψ we organise many lunchtime activities such as yoga and meditation classes, while others go running, swimming, cycling, diving or kayaking and others again play frisbee or table tennis for example.
Some local clubs and facilities are listed below:
- >: β¨Obanβs large sports and leisure centre with indoor pool, fitness suite, health suite, tennis, squash, bouldering wall, basketball, Astroturf, sports hall activities (archery, basketball, badminton, 5-a-side, hockey, netball, table tennis, volleyball, aerobics, yoga, karate, kickboxing, gymnastics, athletics etc.). Atlantis also has a crΓ¨che, soft-play area, outside play park, cafe and offers family activities, kids parties and clubs
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- >Diving: ²έΑρΙηΗψ students have developed a local dive club at ²έΑρΙηΗψ, also
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- >Skiing: / . Members of the may access huts and discounts.
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Other clubs
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Cycling
Many students and staff choose to and a new cycle track from Oban's Ganavan beach is a pleasant and safe way to make the three mile journey. ²έΑρΙηΗψ has a roofed bike shed and a bike repair station.
Local bus services
Most students and visitors stay in Oban. There is a regular bus service - operated by West Coast Motors - from Oban to Dunbeg, the village adjacent to ²έΑρΙηΗψ. Just catch the and it will take you to Dunbeg - or occasionally all the way down the road to Dunstaffnage / ²έΑρΙηΗψ - for as little as Β£2! runs several other lines throughout the highlands.
Local taxi services
Several taxis operate in the area such as Alba's Taxis (01631 566 676); Argyll Taxis (01631 565 293); Etive Taxis (01631 566 880); Lorn Taxi (01631 564 744); Tower Taxis (01631 569 999); West Coast Taxis (01631 563 777).
Ferries
There is easy access to the islands through Obanβs ferry terminal.
Train and long-distance buses
There are regular and running to Glasgow and Fort William, and connections from there to the rest of the country. For general public transport information for Scotland visit the website.
Air travel
The in North Connel currently has scheduled flights to the the islands of Coll, Colonsay, Islay and Tiree. It also offers scenic flights of the area in the summer as well as flying lessons. Private pilots and commercial charters from around the UK and Europe can also land.
The nearest international airport is , which is two hours by car away from the institute. is three hours car journey away from Oban.
Medical and welfare
Provisions at ²έΑρΙηΗψ
- >Several staff welfare officers (part-time) for students and staff
- >Dedicated student support and welfare officer
- >Several members of staff are trained in first aid and basic fire-fighting
- >A dedicated Health and Safety Officer ensures the safest possible working environment
Emergency services
- > T: 01631 567500β¨
- > 999 in emergency
- >Oban Coastguard HM: 01631 562685
- >: in emergency 999 ask for police
- >: For women 0800 121 4685; For men 0800 032 0399
General practitioners and dentists
- > Oban T: 01631 563175
- > T: 01866 822684 (surgeries in Taynuilt, Connel & Dalmally)
- >Shore Street Dental Surgery, Oban T: 01631 563006
- >Argyll Square Dental Practice, Oban T: 01631 562791
- >West Highland Dental Studio, Oban T: 01631 565050
Animals
- > (rescue & rehoming) T: 01852 300362
- > T: 01631 562876 / mobile: 07733 482518
- >: 01631 720 311 (near Barcaldine)
Religion
- >Scottish Episcopal Church: Oban Cathedral Church of St John T: 01631 562323
- >Roman Catholic: Oban St Columbaβs Cathedral T: 01631 562123
- >Church of Scotland Centre, Glencruitten Rd, Oban T: 01631 562405
- >Lorn Christian Fellowship T: 01631 710208
- >Oban Free High Church, Rockfield Rd, Oban T: 01631 562154
Other support services
- > Oban T: 0300 111 0031
- > confidential drug and alcohol advice
- > T: 0845 790 9090/9192
- > provides support, information and practical advice for young people who may be at risk of harming themselves. T: 0800 068 4141 or visit their website
- >Bereavement care through
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- >, E: fiona@barraigh.u-net.com
- >, 30 Alexander Place, Corran Esplanade, Oban T: 01631 567054
Oban is proud to be a town since 2006. And ²έΑρΙηΗψ is a fairtrade organisation!
Supermarkets / corner shops
Oban has a Tesco, Marks and Spencer, Lidl, Aldi and Farmfoods alongside a multitude of small independent shops. Surrounding villages usually have a corner shop for essentials, eg Dunbeg, Connel, Benderloch, Balvicar and Taynuilt!
Oban shops include
Bookshop (Waterstones), newsagents, clothes shops (including Fat Face, M&Co, New Look), outdoor pursuit shops, charity shops, shoe shops, sports shop, anglers' corner, chemists, homeware shops, pet shops, garden centres, health food shop, hairdressers, sweet shops, ice cream parlour, whisky shop, jewellery shop (and repair), cobbler, bike shops, garages, butcher, dive store, chandlery shop, gift shops, beauticians, photography shop, cycle shop, wool & needlecraft, and art galleries.
There is also a minibus, car and bike hire business.
CafΓ©s and restaurants
The town is full of places to eat, from small take-away cafes, chippies and an open-air seafood shack at the harbour to top end restaurants and everything in between. Oban is often referred to as the Seafood Capital of Scotland, so make sure to check out if that is an accolade it deserves! There are small local businesses like the Oban Chocolate Company to sample or chains such as Costa.
Pubs and nightlife
There are at least eight pubs in the centre of Oban, ranging from the traditional Oban Inn to the large Corryvreckan (Wetherspoons), and many surrounding villages have their own olde-worlde pub too. Apart from meeting the locals you might encounter live music, DJ entertainment or sport on the big screen.
is a ceilidh house, music and event venue.
Places where short-term visitors have stayed before...
Oban
on the seafront
on the seafront
on the seafront
on the seafront
on the seafront for en-suite dorm and family accommodation
boutique hotel on the harbour opposite the bus and railway station
on the esplanade
Dunstaffnage Marina
(bar, bistro and beds)
Connel
B&B
B&B
North Connel / Benderloch
: for those looking for luxury
Barcaldine
, eco-friendly 5 gold star B&B
Bonawe
luxury guest house on Loch Etive in countryside
Camp sites and chalets
Lodges and Caravans
Tours and trips around Oban
The area provides opportunities for many exciting weekends, days or half-days out. Here is a small selection of possible tours - for more visit :
- >The latest addition to our tourist destination is the in Oban, could be linked with a visit to the and of course the
- >Go to the islands (Iona, Mull, Colonsay etc) with
- >Visit the archaeological sites with museum and cafe/shop at - maybe move on after to the ancient forest at Knapdale, home of Scotland's first
- >Explore ' and find out about hydro schemes and renewable energy: display, tour and cafe/shop
- >The amazing boat adventure tours with leave from Oban
- >If you are looking for a day or half-day of gorge scrambling, canyoning, canoeing, kayaking, archery or coasteering in and around the Oban area, contact
- >Go for a walk in Glencoe and learn about its geology and history at the award winning
- > offers exciting boat trips from the lovely island of Seil - and build in a trip across to the slate island of (home to the annual world ) and its too
- >Magical wildlife boat trips are provided by , and
- >Go south to the and explore some of the lovely art and crafts available
- >Lovely gardens in the area include: , , , , , .
- >Go island walking: a takes you from Oban to Kerrera, where you can walk to the and visit the ruined . Or why not for a walk or cycle - and don't forget to stop at the with cafe. Or go across to the and visit the with cafe and gift shop
- >Learn ice or rock climbing at the in Kinlochleven (also available for families!)
- >Visit Inverary: Your tour might include a visit to the , the (interactive museum), a trip to the highland township of , and finally some well deserved pub food in the atmospheric Hotel or seafood in the Loch Fyne Oyster Bar.