Oban & Lorn
Something for everyone O
ban’s distinctive character helps it to attract an eclectic mix of live acts, with high profi le performers ranging
from Embrace and The Kaiser Chiefs to co- medians Kevin Bridges and Bill Bailey. The Corran Halls has a varied programme of shows, from ballet and theatre to stand- up, and Skippinish Ceilidh House is a good place to head if you want a truly Scottish music and dance experience. Lovers of traditional and gaelic music and culture will be in their element in Oban, with several gaelic choirs and ensembles based locally, there are often concerts and per- formances. Look out for advertising locally, or listings in the Oban Times, especially around the Lorn Drama Festival in March, the Highlands and Islands Music and Dance festival in May, and in the run-up to the Royal National Mod, the gaelic cultural fes- tival, in October (though this year’s event is in Paisley, Oban will be strongly represented among competitors). The Oban Phoenix cinema re-opened with much fanfare after a refurbishment last year. This community venture is run by a team of
volunteers and gives visitors the opportunity to see the latest releases, as well as classic fi lms in a setting more intimate and endear- ing than the standard multiplex. Listings are available in the local media or at www.oban-
phoenix.com.
There is plenty for active visitors in Oban too, from family-based indoor fun includ- ing swimming, soft play and climbing at the Atlantis Leisure Centre, to wet and wild activities such as kayaking, hiking, cycling and climbing with one of several expert local providers.
As well as organised entertainment, at week- ends there is live music in many of Oban’s bars, a perfect accompaniment to a hearty pub meal, or one of the many locally brewed beers. Restaurants offer a range of interna- tional choices too, from Thai, Chinese and Indian to Texas-style steak.
If you are looking for the true taste of Oban, it has to be seafood. Whether it’s hand- dived scallops, island lobster, or a piece of battered sole, in Scotland’s seafood capital, it’s bound to be both fresh and tasty. You can choose your setting to match the dish
Links:
www.oban.org.uk www.obantowndiary.co.uk www.obanmuseum.org.uk
Did you know? Oban has welcomed two stranded seafarers in recent months. In April, the town played host to a lone sperm whale, who spent several days in the Bay, before heading out to sea. A few weeks later a Jamaican-registered cruise ship, the Serenissima, ran aground on a shingle bank nearby – it was refl oated and returned to sea.
A lively and friendly coffee shop
Oban is a vibrant town, packed with history, from McCaigs Tower to the old clock at the railway station, islands to visit for the day from the pier, shops to trek around. After all this activity, we need somewhere to sit, relax and enjoy the best lunch available. This can be found at Bossards, a centrally positioned coffee shop and Patisserie, by Argyll Square on Gibralter St. The moment you enter and smell the fresh coffee and see the arrays of dozens of sumptuous cakes and pastries on offer at the patisserie counter, you know you have made the right choice for lunch! Table service is fast, the home cooked soups are always tasty, the paninis and croissants delicious. There is a happy, lively atmosphere in the place, which is partly due to the smiles from all the lovely staff. The menu is varied, from just a quick snack of a toastie or cream fi lled pancake or tray-bake; or if you’re hungrier, a lovely soft roll, stuffed to bursting with a wide choice of fi lling to a slice of homemade pizza, baked potato or quiche with salad. Order at the counter if you’re in a hurry, or need a picnic to take your food away with you. Bread, rolls and cakes are baked daily and this shows in the fl avour and freshness of all the produce. A place for relaxing, sipping a skinny latte or creamy Swiss hot chocolate, catching up on your day and resting aching feet. Bossards is the place in town for taste and friendliness. You’ll be back again and again.
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- fi ne dining in a bistro with a beautiful view, or a walk on the seafront munching your vin- egar soaked fi sh and chips as you watch the sun set - Delicious.
Getting there: From Glasgow, take the A82 towards Crianlarich, then the A85. Trains from Glasgow to Oban leave Glasgow Queen Street three times daily.
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