Things to do in the Oban & Lorn area

Oban Distillery
Unlike other distilleries in Scotland the Oban distillery is situated in the very heart of the city, right beside the shore and the harbour. The reason for this curiousity is the fact that the distillery was founded before the town existed, and with the time everything else grew around the buildings of the distillery.

Whisky production started in 1794, which makes Oban one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland. Unfortunately at the time the license granted to the distillery expired after 1 year already, and the local Stephenson brothers, who founded and built the distillery, where too involved in other enterprises to sort out the matter. So despite the fact that this distillery was recognised by the House of Commons as one of the best equipped in the whole Highlands it took more than 20 years to restablish business and production.

The arrival of the railway in Oban in 1880 gave easier access to the markets in central Scotland and was no doubt the reason for a thorough refurbishment and upgrading of the distillery in 1884. In 1930 DCL bought the company and maintained production throughout the years, with the exeption of 2 non-production periods in 1931 and 1969. The floor maltings, which is a listed building today, was in use until 1968. The Still house saw another upgrade in 1972, although no new stills were added. Only the method of heating was converted from coal to steam. The rectangular double worm-tub used at Oban distilley is very rare, if not unique in the world of Whisky making.

Guided tours are available Mo- Fri with additional openings during summer season.

McCaig's Tower

This curious and somewhat "out of place" looking building is the dominant landmark of Oban since 1897. That year a local banker, suprisingly called John Stuart McCaig, decided to leave a lasting monument for his family. The original plans included the large roman colloseum-style enclosure with an even larger tower in its center, museum, art gallery plus a lifesize statue of the McCaig Family. The building work was mainly untertaken during the winter months to keep local stone masons busy, and the progress was accordingly slow. When McCaig died in 1902, the financial backing for the project ceased, too, and left the site with only the outer walls finished. Whether you like it or not, the structure on the hills above Oban has shaped the appearance of the town significantly, and is probably the most photographed building in town.

When you take up the rather steep 10 minute climb up to the tower, you will find 2 rather surprising things. Firstly you will notice the garden inside the ring wall, and you will quickly realise that this little piece of green above the roofs is a perfect refuge from the rather busy town. A sense of shelter and tranquility immediately captures the visitor, inviting to sit down, wind down and relax. Secondly, when you step through the opening on the other side of the wall, and incredible and awesome view (given the weather is nice) over the bay and the preliminary islands opens up. Kerrera, Lismore, Mull and the hills of Morvern and Ardnamurchan are all visible and give the visitor a good impression of the area.

Cruachan Power Station
18 miles east of Oban on the A85 lies one of the most amazing technical achievements in Scotland - the Cruachan Power Station. Situated in the beautiful scenery of Loch Awe this power station was the worlds first high level reversible pumped storage hydro scheme. It means that during the night or off-peak periods, wenn energy is cheap, water gets pumped from a lower basin into the higher reservoir. It is then released again during peak demand periods, and the falling water drives the turbines to generate electricity.

Another interesting fact is that most off the power station is actually underground, buried up to a 1000 meters below the surface of Ben Cruachan. The "heart" of the 1966 built power station inside the mountain can be visited during a guided 30 minute tour, and the visitor centre on the surface gives interesting insights into the technical details and the history of the station witn interactive displays and videos.

Scottish Sea Life Sanctuary
Situated on the shores of picturesque Loch Creran, just 20 minutes’ drive north from Oban, the Sanctuary opens a window into a watery wonderland teeming with amazing sea creatures of astonishing variety. Founded 30 years ago, the Scottish Sea Life Sanctuary combines a wide variety of marine environments with a busy rescue and rehabilitation facility for seal pups.

Dozens of aquaria, hundreds of sea creatures, dazzling displays, restaurant & coffee shop. Open from 10.00am every day except Christmas Day.

Oban and Lorn Angling Club
If you fancy a bit of fishing, the Oban and Lorn Angling Club "Hill Lochs" offers weekly membership and day tickets to almost 20 waters in the area, most of them easily accessible. The club also publishes an invaluable "Guide to the Lochs". For details and further information please email to olac@btopenworld.com.

Inverawe Fisheries
This superb fly-fishing centre with four lochs to suit all standards is quite unique. The lochs are stocked daily with prime hardfighting fish to give a good days sport for everyone. While the mile and a half of the River Awe provides some excellent if not challenging Salmon and Sea Trout fishing

The Angling School is ideal for the beginner or those who want to freshen up on their technique.

Inverawe Fisheries hold regular angling competitions - open to everyone who comes fishing and great fun!