Oban History
We’re used to the beautiful aerial views of Oban and the surrounding area through our scenic flights. However, we’re also fascinated by the history of Oban and what this beautiful town has witnessed over the course of recent history. Here’s a walkthrough of some of the major events that have shaped Oban into the place we know and love today.
The Scottish Gaelic name for Oban is An t-Òban, which means The Little Bay. This is due to Oban’s bay being a perfect horseshoe shape that offers spectacular sunsets. Oban Bay has provided food and shelter to mankind since Mesolithic times. Evidence of early cave dwellers has been found in several locations in the centre of Oban, coincidentally at Oban Distillery – around which modern-day Oban grew. Before the development of the distillery, founded in 1794, Oban was a shadow of the town it is today, with little in the way of housing and only a small quarry and shipbuilding industry. Once the distillery was in production, Oban began shipping the alcohol; along with wool, slate and kelp, to larger ports such as Liverpool and Glasgow and the town began its rapid expansion.
Evidence of its ancient origins is still apparent today and Oban’s oldest building – Dunollie Castle – with its bronze age foundations is a ruin with a view! In many ways, the views from Dunollie are unchanged from the time when the Clan Macdougall chiefs ruled Scotland from their strongholds in Argyll. At the height of their power they had eight strategically positioned castles (mostly around the coastline) which allowed them to rule Dalriada (ancient Scotland) throughout the 12th century. In nearby Dunollie House you can view the MacDougall collection (by appointment) as the Clan continues its fundraising to put the collection on permanent show to the public. Their website gives the full history of this influential clan.
If ancient history excites you then you can’t better the collection of bronze age relics at the nearby Kilmartin House Museum. Kilmartin boasts 350 ancient monuments within a 6-mile radius of the village centre; 150 of which are prehistoric. Named one of Scotland’s "Richest Landscapes," the glen contains one of the most significant monuments in the whole of Scotland, Dunadd on the River Add, a fort believed to have been constructed and occupied by people from as early as AD 500. Dunadd, (meaning "fort on the river," after its original occupation in the Iron Age), is reputed to be where the ancient kings of Scotland were ‘crowned’. Believed to be the mark of these followers, a number of footprints are seen carved into the rock.
The site is considered one of Scotland’s most impressive Ancient Monuments, and under the care of Historic Scotland, is open free of charge to the public all year round. A definite must-see for history enthusiasts!
The history and heritage of Argyll has long provided artistic inspiration. The legends of Ossian (a 3rd century Gaelic poet who was reputed to have lived in the area) were ‘discovered’ and published in the 18th century by James Macpherson, however many of his contemporaries considered the poems ‘fake’ and some scholars claim that Johnstone and Boswell’s Journey to the Western Isles of Scotland 1775 was in fact a mission to prove that Ossian did not exist and that Macpherson had made the legends up! Johnstone and Boswell visited Oban several years before the distillery was founded (and 20 years after the Highland Clans had been disarmed and their culture subjugated) but even then they recorded several ‘passable hostelries’ and remarked on the beautiful scenery and the hospitality of their Highland hosts.
Looking for something different?
Why not view the magnificent sights of Oban and the Inner Hebrides from above on one of our 30-minute scenic flights? To take in the stunning landscapes in this fabulous part of the world from an aerial perspective, you can book your seat or find out more information here.
Getting around Oban and the Inner Hebrides
The western Scottish highlands is one of the most beautiful areas in all of Europe, yet comprises many small and remote islands, meaning transport around the Inner Hebrides is a challenge. Our Hebridean Air Services team provide scheduled inter-island flights between Oban, Coll, Colonsay, Islay, and Tiree, which are bookable here. Furthermore, charter flights are also available to book by contacting 0845 805 7465 or enquiries@hebridean.com.