*** Welcome to piglix ***

Oban, Argyll

Oban
Oban from Druim Mor.jpg
Oban from Druim Mor
Oban is located in Argyll and Bute
Oban
Oban
Oban shown within Argyll and Bute
Population 8,575 (2011 Census)
OS grid reference NM859298
Council area
Lieutenancy area
Country Scotland
Sovereign state United Kingdom
Post town OBAN
Postcode district PA34
Dialling code 01631
Police Scottish
Fire Scottish
Ambulance Scottish
EU Parliament Scotland
UK Parliament
Scottish Parliament
List of places
UK
Scotland
56°24′43″N 5°28′19″W / 56.412°N 5.472°W / 56.412; -5.472Coordinates: 56°24′43″N 5°28′19″W / 56.412°N 5.472°W / 56.412; -5.472

Oban (Listeni/ˈbən/ OH-bən;An t-Òban in Scottish Gaelic meaning The Little Bay) is a resort town within the Argyll and Bute council area of Scotland. Despite its small size, it is the largest town between Helensburgh and Fort William. During the tourist season, the town can play host to up to 25,000 people. Oban occupies a setting in the Firth of Lorn. The bay is a near perfect horseshoe, protected by the island of Kerrera; and beyond Kerrera, the Isle of Mull. To the north, is the long low island of Lismore, and the mountains of Morvern and Ardgour.

The site where Oban now stands has been used by humans since at least mesolithic times, as evidenced by archaeological remains of cave dwellers found in the town. Just outside the town stands Dunollie Castle, on a site that overlooks the main entrance to the bay and has been fortified since the Bronze age. Prior to the 19th century, the town itself supported very few households, sustaining only minor fishing, trading, shipbuilding and quarrying industries, and a few hardy tourists. The Renfrew trading company established a storehouse there in about 1714 as a local outlet for its merchandise, but no Custom-house was deemed necessary until around 1760.


...
Wikipedia

...