McCaig’s Tower, Oban

Technically classified as an architectural folly, the ‘tower’ was constructed in 1897 by John Stuart McCaig, a banker from the area. Its purpose was to create employment opportunities for local stonemasons and serve as a permanent tribute to the McCaig family.

The Tower is constructed using local Bonawe granite and has a circumference of 200 metres. The arches are divided into two tiers: a lower tier consisting of 44 lancets, and an upper tier consisting of 50 lancets. McCaig refused the services of an architect and instead took on the responsibility of designing and overseeing the construction himself, at a total cost of £5,000.

McCaig’s original plan was to build an outer shell based on the Colosseum in Rome and then construct a tower in the middle which would house an art museum and statues of his family. However, he died suddenly in 1902 and work stopped. Despite the provision of £1,000 annually for maintenance in his will, the heirs contested it and their appeal to the court was victorious. And so we are left with the ‘tower’ that proudly overlooks the town.

The Catherine McCaig Trust donated the tower to Oban Town Council in the 1960s. The council initiated a programme of enhancements, such as landscaping and floodlighting. In the 1970s, the council formulated plans to construct a historical centre within the tower. In the 1980s, a highly ambitious proposal to establish an arts and conference centre within the existing structure was put forward, but neither of these projects were realised.

Over the course of many years, the monument was gradually taken over by nature. However, the local residents have now regained control of the area and have converted it into a serene garden. The garden features a platform that offers the most exceptional view in the entire town. Observe the sun descending below the horizon, casting its warm glow on the bay, boats, and islands.

The structure has been a Grade B Listed historic monument since 1971.

The ascent from the town centre to McCaig’s Tower is highly rewarding due to the breathtaking vistas of Oban Bay and the Atlantic Islands. The gardens within the tower are meticulously tended and provide a serene respite from the lively and chaotic urban atmosphere of Oban.

A great way to walk off all the delicious food in Oban! Up to the tower for some incredible views over Oban Bay out to the isles of Kerrera and Mull. Highly recommend, especially on a clear sunny day!

Explore the McCaig’s Tower at Night: Experience it lit up against the night sky.

As dusk falls over Oban, a unique adventure awaits you at McCaig’s Tower. Explore this architectural marvel under the cloak of night, when it’s beautifully illuminated, casting a warm glow that beckons from afar. Ascend the hill as the stars begin to pepper the sky, and the tower, with its Colosseum-inspired structure, emerges as a beacon of history and mystery. Walking through the archways and along the tower’s garden, you’re treated to panoramic views of Oban and the surrounding islands, now shimmering under the moonlight. The night adds a layer of tranquility and enchantment to the experience, allowing you to appreciate the tower’s grandeur and the peacefulness of the evening. This nocturnal visit offers a unique perspective on a well-loved landmark, transforming it into a place of wonder and romance. It’s an opportunity to connect with the past, enjoy the present views, and indulge in the peaceful night atmosphere of one of Oban’s most cherished sights.