Oban is a small town with around 8000 people but due to its tourist
industry provides a variety of facilities and services that allow
students, staff, delegates and short-term visitors to enjoy an active social life. The town has a modern leisure
centre, a public library, and many pubs, shops and restaurants. The
Corran Halls put on a variety of shows, plays, music performances,
ballet events etc. The stunning scenery offers access to nearly all
outdoor pursuits and ferries can take you easily to many Hebridean
destinations.
Look at the following websites for information about Oban as a tourist destination:
... and for those looking for something very special try The Isle of Eriska Hotel: from £170 (min 2 nights stay)
and there are many more opportunities to stay in Oban
Shopping
Shopping
Oban has a range of supermarkets including Tesco, Co-op,
Farmfoods, Lidl and Aldi alongside a multitude of small independent shops. Boots, New Look, Waterstone's, Superdrug and
WHSmith are all in the centre of town. Argos, Homebase and Pets at Home
are just behind Tesco. Also an M&Co shop and various clothes and shoe shops are spread across town. There are also several garden centres in the area. Charity Shops run by Oxfam,
British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research and the local charity that has
gone international, Mary's Meals, are there to tempt all those bargain-hunters! There are also a health food shop and a deli in town. And most importantly, there are the Oban Distillery and the Oban Chocolate Company!
If you would like to hire a bus for transporting larger groups around the area, this can be arranged through West Coast Motors
There is easy access to the islands through Oban’s Caledonian MacBrayne ferry terminal. There are also regular buses and trains running to Fort William and Glasgow, and connections from there to the rest of the country.
For general public transport information for Scotland visit the Traveline Scotland website.
There is also a small airport in North Connel,
owned by Argyll and Bute Council, with scheduled flights to the the
islands of Coll, Colonsay and Tiree. The nearest international airport
is Glasgow International, which is two hours by car away from the institute. Both Edinburgh and Glasgow Prestwick are three hours car journey away from Oban.
Trips
Tours and trips around Oban
The area provides opportunities for many exciting weekends, days or half-days out. Here is a small selection of possible tours:
Go to the islands (e.g. Iona, Mull): numerous tours are offered through Caledonian MacBrayne
Visit the archaeological sites with museum and cafe/shop at Kilmartin
Explore Cruachan, the 'hollow mountain' and find out about hydro schemes and renewable energy: display, tour and cafe/shop
Sea.fari Adventures offers exciting trips from the lovely island of Seil - and build in a trip across to the slate island of Easdale (home to the annual world stone skimming championship) too
