The MCLEANSCOTLAND feature page on OBAN

So why a page showing Oban? Simple; Paul McLean was born just a few miles away and goes back every year so regular he feels like he is at home each time!  Oban today has a resident population of 8,500 and is the unofficial capital of the West Highlands - the "Gateway to the Isles". Dunollie Castle, a ruined castle which has stood sentinel over the narrow entrance to the bay for around six hundred years, was the northern outpost of the Dalriadic Scots. It is still a place where you can visit today, a wee climb though! Another tempting place to visit is the Oban Distillery or one of the many local pubs.

An easy 4 day tour based in Oban, why? Easy; We can add any number of dates to this tour start or end, just let us know.

Day 1; arrive in Oban via either of the only two roads in - south from Inveraray or east from Tyndrum. There is a choice of accommodation in Oban; guest house, hotel or country house a wee drive away. Your budget may decide which you choose. The two roads into Oban give you some superb scenery to drive through.  Enjoy the day.

Day 2; why not relax with a beer and good food after crossing the Atlantic? Aye, correct, cross the Atlantic! A wee inn over a big beidge on a wee isle and offering superb food and drink; The House of Trousers, 8 miles or so south of Oban. Then continue south to KilmartinGlen, see 5000 years of ancient Celt and Scottish history, standing stones, burial cairns, graves and wonderful scenery. Returning to Oban.

Day 3; a full day trip to Mull and Iona. Either take the car or use the ferry/coach day trip bookable from Oban. Returning early evening to Oban.

Day 4; a day trip including Glencoe, Rannoch Moor, Fort William and Loch Ness, back in Oban early evening for superb seafood! The tour ends after breakfast!

Oban has been branded the 'Seafood Capital of Scotland' and is renowned for the variety and quality of seafood landed in the harbour. There are great seafood restaurants in Oban offering a wide range of styles and menus. From the net to the table, you can't get fresher!  Our two suggested places for the very best in seafood;  Ee-Usk is a modern stylish restaurant, designed to take full advantage of its surroundings. Friendly but efficient service in a relaxed atmosphere is what we strive for. Ee-Usk means 'Fish' (Phonetic Gaelic). Fish is what they are famous for. 01631 565666 www.eeusk.com

The Seafood Temple is a restaurant owned and operated by the famous 'Oban Seafood' hut, also affectionately known as the seafood shack. It is run by chef and fisherman, John Ogden, who uses only the freshest and best quality locally caught seafood delicacies. The atmosphere is friendly and buoyant - always busy. Famous people have enjoyed the food here (Eric Clapton, Rab C Nesbitt, Bjork) extending welcoming arms to anyone who shares an interest or passion in seafood. Seafood Temple, 01631 56 6000 You will find it past Calmac on the way to Gallanch Sands.  Other good restaurants... www.coastoban.co.uk    www.piazzaoban.com    www.waterfrontoban.co.uk  seafood galore yet again! The waterfront is another exceptional dining experience.

Paul (mcleanscotland) and Jim Mather, Minister for Scottish Tourism, meeting at Connel near Oban recently.

www.ohspipeband.org.uk Oban high school pipeband. The Band is self- funded and very much appreciates the support, both financially and emotionally of the communities of Oban and the surrounding areas.  www.sealife-adventures.com Experience a whale watching boat trip in Scotland with Sealife Adventures, based on the mainland near Oban, Argyll, Scotland. Cruise through the infamous Corryvreckan Whirlpool. The stunning panorama of the Inner Hebrides includes Mull, Iona Jura and Islay. Note from Paul; "been on this to the whirlpool, brilliant!"  www.obanmuseum.org.uk

I couldn't leave without mentioning Connel, this is the place I was hatched many moons ago, its a great wee village with a bridge crossing the loch and the Falls of Lora, water running left and right at the same time! Good wee restaurant there too and a pub!

We do not normally feature providers of accommodations on our website, but we will make an exception this time, Paul has very good friends who run a 4 star small hotel in Oban, it is very nice and he has stayed there himself. The Hotel itself is a hidden gem secluded by private gardens yet only 2 minutes from the main street. From its high position you have great views of Oban towards Kerrera and Mull (ah, now that's worthy of another page coming soon!). The place is full of very nice wee touches, superb furniture and nick nacks, its one of those places you feel right in, as soon as you arrive and, you want to linger!  Above are a few wee images to tempt you! To book please email us at; oban@mcleanscotland.com  Well I hoped you like this page and it has you want to visit, honestly, there is plenty to do and so many trips based from Oban, both driving, walking and the ferries!

Oban is included in our Gaelic Rings Tours. Oban should be included in ANY Scottish tour and we are happy to work this in to any itinerary, you will not be sorry!