Oban is a seaside resort to the south-west of the Highlands and was made famous by Queen Victoria. The capital of the Argyll region is a tremendous tourist attraction, living to the rhythm of the seasons and controlling the gateway to the superb Hebridean islands.

Oban is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and 160 km to the north-west of Glasgow, and owes its reputation to Queen Victoria who found its climate good for rheumatism. Since then, it has never ceased to be a popular resort. Its Victorian charm, with a stunning replica of the Roman Colosseum overlooking the town, its whiskey distillery and its seaside walks as far as the ruins of Dunollie castle have long been appreciated by tourists from Britain and abroad alike. Oban is also an excellent base from which to visit the Argyll region and the Hebridean islands. Argyll, at the southern limit of the Highlands, is an area of small mountains and locks, studded with isolated ports and unusual sites. Amongst these, Kilchurn Castle, an imposing ruin on the edge of Loch Awe; Arduaine Gardens and their wide ranges of plants; and Inverawe Smokehouse, in Taynuilt, a smokehouse for smoked salmon. Oban is also one of the gateways to the Hebridean islands, wild lands which have preserved their heritage and tradition. Kerrera lives at the pace of its 30 odd inhabitants and is a delight to explore on bike. Seil and Easdale boast rugged landscapes studded with white cottages. Mull, that you reach by ferry, is the second largest island of the inner Hebrides. Iona Abbey, Tobermory port (one of the most attractive in Scotland), the mediaeval castle of Duart and the Victorian manor house of Torosay are the most spectacular attractions on this quintessentially Scottish island.