Oban
Oban maps (1 available)
Map of Argyll
Beautifully hand-drawn and coloured, dating from around 1840
Oban books (2 available)
- 45 photos on Oban appear in 4 Frith books - View photos of Oban
- Read extracts and see photos from these books on Oban and Argyll
Oban memories
Read and share memories of Oban and Argyll inspired by Frith photos
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You can also read memories of nearby places in Argyll below.
Argyll memories
Cnocaruan
The photograph shows our house in the foreground, originally built in 1890 and has a self-catering extension added on to make the most of the spectacular Falls of Lora. The photos I am looking for are of Connel Bridge under construction. If you do or know of a web page please email cnocaruan@aol.com
A memory of Connel Ferry contributed by gabriella mckenzie
The Whins, North Connel
My mum and dad took me to Scotland when I was a small boy in the 1960s. We stayed at The Whins in North Connel. Jessie the owner cooked all our meals, it was wonderful. She asked me to stay for the rest of the school holidays which I did, and every year I would go and stay with her to keep her company. She became another grandmother to me. I was so happy in Scoltland I got married in Oban in the year 2000. I visited Jessie on her 90th birthday. Then I went to visit and the house was empty and I was told by a neighbour she was in hospital in Oban. I went to see her and ...read more here
A memory of North Connel contributed by dave shann
Post Office Radio Station
The Maritime Radio service of the Post Office had medium wave radio stations at Wick (Caithness) and Port Patrick (Dumfries & Galloway). As the Minches were a very busy area for fishermen from Fleetwood and Milford Haven, it was decided to put a medium wave station in between and the initial site chosen was the airfield at North Connel. The first station was situated in a caravan. The staff were drafted from other stations around the UK Coast and a 24 hour watch was kept to enhance the safety of life at sea in the northwestern approaches. The staff were Donald Morrison (a Lewisman), Angus Stark, Andrew Brown, Sam Kennedy, Stan Hardman (the token Englishman), Bill Moffat and Bob Mason came ...read more here
A memory of North Connel contributed by Graham Allister
bonawe ferry crossing
I lived in Bonawe from 1947-1956. My dad worked in Bonawe Quarries. We left in 1956 to live in Glasgow. I have lived in Yorkshire for over 30 years now but I love to go back to Bonawe. My last visit was 2007, it has changed but I still have my memories. I think the chap who ran the ferry was called "deucher". I am sorry if I have got that wrong. I remember the village store putting a working train set in the shop window at Christmas. I can still see the school, Ardchattan Primary, one classroom and one teacher for all the pupils. We used to cross Loch Etive from Bonawe to Taynuilt by rowing boat for a ...read more here
A memory of Taynuilt contributed by christine mcphie
Extracts From Oban & Argyll books
Fishing and agriculture played an important part in the economy of the area, but it was the opening up of the Western Highlands to tourism that gave the town the boost it so desperately needed. On the right is the Caledonian Hotel, one of a number of hotels in the town. The Great Western and the Alexandria were the most expensive, and the Marine was well spoken of. There were three temperance hotels, one of which can be seen next to the King’s Arms.
An extract from from"Scotland Photographic Memories".
The legendary Fingal is said to have tied his dog Bran to the stone. In the distance is the ruined McDougall fortress of Dunollie Castle, which overlooks the Firth of Lorne.
An extract from from"Scotland Photographic Memories".
Dunstaffnage belongs to the period when a determined effort was being made to extend royal power. The original fortress was to be used as a forward base for an assault against the Norse-controlled Hebrides. It was equipped with a high curtain wall 10 ft thick and round towers.
An extract from from"Scottish Castles".
Situated on the northern outskirts of Oban, Dunollie was a MacDougal fortress in the 11th century. The castle’s defences are enhanced by sea on three sides. It was besieged in 1647 and again in 1715; on the latter occasion it was held by the chieftain’s wife against the Argyll Militia.
An extract from from"Scottish Castles".
The Island of Kerrera faces Oban, and is linked to the town by a ferry service. On the island is the ruined Gylen Castle, where King Alexander II died of fever in 1249. There is also a memorial to David Hutcheson, the pioneer of steamboat services to the Western Isles.
An extract from from"Scotland".