O is for...

... Oban

Settlement

Argyll

106

Pop: 8203

Although relatively small in terms of residential population, the fishing port of Oban is an important gateway to many of the Scottish islands as well as being a pretty town in a location of great natural beauty. During the summer the town is busy with visitors and this is reflected in the excess of shops selling scottish souvenir goods, but for all its rampant commercialism Oban has a special air that is attractive and invigorating. Above the town like a stone tiara sits McCaig's Folly, an unfinished building intended to be a museum or art gallery. Its construction however, rather than folly, was a constructive way of providing locals with work during lean periods. Near to the town is the ruin of the 12th century McDougall stonghold, Dunollie Castle.