Oban crowned Scotland’s Town of the Year after ‘reinvention’ impresses judges

The accolade comes just weeks after Oban played host to The Royal National Mòd, a celebration of Gaelic language, culture and heritage which attracted in excess of 10,000 people.

The town also received a multi-million pound economic boost back in July after featuring as a host port in The Clipper Round The World Yacht Race alongside the likes of Washington DC, Cape Town and Qingdao in China.

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STV weather presenter Sean Batty – an ambassador for Scotland Loves Local – joined in the celebrations as he presented the Town of the Year award to community champions in Oban.

He said: “What strikes me is how passionate everyone here is about their town. People who’ve moved here from elsewhere have just fallen in love with the place.

“It’s easy to see why Oban is so special. Every person I’ve spoken to talks about how it’s the people who make the place and how they’re at the heart of keeping the town thriving. This award is well-deserved recognition for all that they do.”

A panel of independent judges brought together by awards organisers Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP) had the tough task of selecting the Town of the Year, sponsored by tech firm Vicinity.

TV presenter Sean Batty, left, Scotland’s Towns Partnership Chief Officer Kimberley Guthrie, 2nd left, BID4Oban manager Andrew Spence, 2nd from right and BID4Oban chair Tony Cave, far right, celebrate collecting a trophy on behalf of Oban (Image: Jamie Simpson)

STP Chief Officer Kimberley Guthrie, who was also part of the award presentation, said: “Oban should wear its Town of the Year crown with pride. Its success is such a great example of amazing workmanship to deliver on the community’s vision and ambition. This richly-deserved award recognises everything that goes on behind the scenes to make all of this possible.”

Much of the transformation seen in Oban in recent years has been credited with the town’s Business Improvement District, BID4Oban, forging new links with businesses, organisations and people to make things happen since its launch in 2012.

That teamwork has ranged from supporting festive lights and hanging baskets throughout the town and sponsoring Oban Pride Weekend to attracting small cruise ships to visit and playing a key part in the team attracting and supporting the Clipper visit.

Other recent work has included that with Argyll and Bute Council on the revamp of the busy Gibraltar Street thoroughfare, as well as continual efforts to champion the town’s vibrant independent businesses to locals and visitors alike.

READ MORE: Oban welcomes long-awaited return of Royal National Mòd

Andrew Spence, BID4Oban’s Chief Executive, said: “We are beyond delighted that Oban is Scotland’s Town of the Year.

“The reinvention in the town over the last 12 years really has been inspirational. We have a vibrant town centre with events that benefit both locals and visitors.

“Oban, like several towns, was tired before the BID. We were suffering from changes to retail, an ageing demographic, low-end tourism, poor and tired infrastructure and lack of promotion of the town as a destination.

“Through collaborative and partnership working, Oban is now vibrant and welcoming as the gateway to the islands through our major ferry port and the Seafood Capital of Scotland.

“The feedback we received after the Clipper race was that the organisers, crews and their families thought this was one of the best stopover and host ports anywhere in the world – and the community benefited hugely.”

Councillor Jim Lynch, Leader of Argyll and Bute Council, said:  “I am delighted that Oban has been crowned Scotland’s Town of the Year. I am lucky enough to call this beautiful town my home and I could not be more proud to live in such a wonderful place. The council has invested millions of pounds to improve Oban town centre over the last few years, and we have invested more than £1.5 million on the North Pier Pontoons.

“We’re delighted to have also been a partner in delivering the highly-successful Clipper Round the World Race and the Royal National Mod. These events not only helped attract more visitors, providing substantial economic benefits to the area, but they also helped showcase the town’s unique community spirit and hospitality.

“The Clipper Round the World Race in particular allowed us to highlight the amazing marine tourism opportunities we have here in Argyll and Bute and, due to its success, we look forward to making a bid for the event to return to the town in 2026.”