Oban

An t-Òban

The 'seafood capital of Scotland', a harbor town crowned by McCaig's Tower, a replica of the Roman Colosseum, and the gateway to islands such as Mull.

Oban is about 75 km from Fort William and is the busiest harbor town on the west coast. McCaig's Tower on the hilltop (free to visit) offers views over the bay and Mull. The Oban Distillery by the harbor was founded in 1794, and tours require booking. At the seafood huts on the quay, fresh oysters and scallops are reasonably priced. To the north is Dunstaffnage Castle, and ferries depart from here for day trips to Mull, Iona and Staffa, where you can see puffins. It is about 1 hour by car from Fort William.

Opening hours

Open all day; Mackay Tower free all day

Harbor · Seafood · Whisky · Island gateways

Nearby sights

• Castle Stalker
• Glenfinnan Monument & Loch Shiel
• Glenfinnan Viaduct
• Clachaig Inn
• Glen Etive
• West Highland Museum
• Glen Coe
• The Jacobite Steam Train

Places to eat nearby

• The Laroch Restaurant and Bar
• Lochleven Seafood Café
• The Geographer
• Crannog Seafood Restaurant (at Garrison West)
• Ben Nevis Inn

More in Glencoe & Fort William