Introduction to Oban

137km (85 miles) NW of Glasgow, 81km (50 miles) SW of Fort William

One of Scotland's leading coastal resorts, the bustling port of Oban is in a sheltered bay almost landlocked by the island of Kerrera. A busy fishing port in the 18th century, Oban is now heavily dependent on tourism. Since it lacks major attractions of its own, it's often used as a major refueling stop for those exploring the greater west coast of Scotland.

Oban is the gateway to Mull, largest of the Inner Hebrides, and to the island of Iona. See chapter 12 for information about these destinations, including ferry service from Oban.