Shopping

Many of the crafts items produced in local crofts and private homes eventually end up at gift shops in Oban, where they're proudly displayed among the finest of their kind in the West Country. One of the best outlets is McCaig's Warehouse, Argyll Square (tel. 01631/566-335), where the tartan patterns of virtually every clan in Scotland are for sale, either by the meter or in the form of kilts, jackets, traditional Highland garb, or more modern interpretation of traditional fashions.

Celtic-patterned jewelry, made from gold, silver, or platinum, and sometimes studded with semiprecious gems, is featured at The Gem Box, Esplanade (tel. 01631/562-180).

If all other shopping options fail, consider the gift items displayed at the Oban Tourist Information Office, Argyll Square (tel. 01631/563-122). Inventories include tartans, jewelry, woodwork, and glassware, usually crafted into Celtic designs, and books covering myriad aspects of what to see and do in Scotland.

If you absolutely, positively must have a kilt, a cape, or a full outfit based on your favorite Highland regiment, head for one of the town's two best tailors: Hector Russell, Kiltmaker, Argyll Square (tel. 01631/570-240; www.hector-russell.com), and Geoffrey Tailors, Argyll Square (tel. 01631/570-557).