Meaning 'Little Bay' in Gaelic, Oban, is the 'Seafood Capital of Scotland', the 'Gateway to the Isles' and unofficial capital of the West Highlands.
Beyond Oban ("Little Bay" in Gaelic) lie the islands of the Inner Hebrides: Kerrera, which protects the town from Atlantic storms; the low, green island of Lismore; majestic Mull, and the granite mountains of the Morvern peninsula. Beyond them, the sacred island of Iona, Coll, Colonsay and Tiree.
Oban today has a resident population of 8,500 and is the unofficial capital of the West Highlands. With panoramic views of the mountains, lochs and islands which have captivated artists, authors, composers, and poets for centuries, it is no surprise that Oban is a magnet for travellers from all over the world.
Indeed, once Oban had the royal seal of approval from Queen Victoria, who called it "one of the finest spots we have seen", the town's destiny as an endearingly enchanting holiday destination was set in stone.