A stunning seaside town dubbed the ‘capital of seafood’ and the ‘best town in Scotland’ might surprise you when you see the nunber of tourists who go there.
Because despite being blessed with a wealth of blissful scenery, historic buildings and high quality fresh cuisine, Oban in Argyll and Bute is still something of a hidden gem for travellers.
A previous ageing demographic of visitors and decaying infrastructure had meant tourist numbers were reportedly dropping, but now thanks to new investment the area is experiencing something of a renaissance.
And the success of Oban’s revitalisation has not gone unnoticed, as the area has just scooped the prestigious title of Scotland’s Town of the Year in the Scotland Loves Local Awards.
Attractions to savour on a visit to Oban, which is around two-and-a-half hours’ drive north of Glasgow, include hiking and camping on one of the six Hebridean islands that which lie just off shore.
Outdoor pursuit opportunities continue with ample places for people to enjoy a spot of fishing, both on and off the water, and afterwards there’s always the chance to enjoy a wee dram of whisky at the historic Oban Distillery.
Food and drink is at the heart of the Oban experience, with the local tourist board saying: “Oban is the ‘Seafood Capital of Scotland,’ so you will find some of the finest seafood in the world here.
“The secret is the cold, pristine waters that offer up a huge variety of top-quality fish and shellfish, including oysters, mussels, langoustines, prawns, scallops, crab, mackerel, haddock, herring and squat lobster.”
And for anyone who is not too keen on fish, there are award-winning restaurants and pubs which serve local Argyll venison, beef, duck and lamb.
Oban has experienced a bumper couple of years accolades wise, as last year it managed to secure millions in funding after it was chosen as a port for the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, alongside international cities like Washington DC and Cape Town.
Speaking about Oban being voted the Best Town in Scotland, Andy Spence, Chief Executive of business group BID4Oban, told The Sun: “We were suffering from changes to retail, an ageing demographic, low-end tourism, poor and tired infrastructure and lack of promotion of the town as a destination.
“Through collaborative and partnership working, Oban is now vibrant and welcoming as the gateway to the islands through our major ferry port and the Seafood Capital of Scotland.”