McCaig’s Tower

McCaig’s Tower looks similar to a Colosseum and sits on top of Battery Hill overlooking the town of Oban. It can be seen clearly when you approach Oban whether by sea, train or road. It’s a great place to start your holiday in Oban as it offers you wonderful views of Oban, Mull, Kerrera and Firth of Lorn. It has recently been landscaped by the council and now as well as the magnificent views is a lovely peaceful garden setting.

The story behind it is interesting. It’s basically an unfinished building project started by a local banker called John Stuart McCaig when he was in his 70’s in 1895. His aim was to give work to local stonemasons over the winter months however it was never finished as he died in 1902. No-one really knows what the finished building would have looked like however what is there now offers an interesting viewpoint above Oban that is well worth a visit. You can get to it by climbing the 144 steps of Jacob’s Ladder from Argyle Street or you can reach it by car by heading for the Fort William/Deanery Brea road. It has a small car park.