Argyll’s biggest gig worth £1.1 million to the town

OBAN LIVE has been named as Argyll and Bute’s biggest live music gig in the same week as organisers have announced they are bringing the best live music to the seaside town for the third year running.

An independent economic activity impact report shown to

The Oban Times this week says the ‘not-for-profit’ event led by Tiree band Skerryvore puts £1.1 million into the local economy.

The event was set up in 2015 to celebrate 10 years of the band. Skerryvore members wanted to give something back to the community that has helped to make them an internationally renowned act.

At the same time, they were ambitious enough to bring the first large gig to the town in Oban’s Mossfield Park.

Oban Live’s success already seems to be the envy of other places such as Inveraray, Dunoon and Helensburgh, which are keen to get in on the act.

Sources from venues in all three Argyll towns have told

The Oban Times they want to take the event out of Oban and have offered help with costs not currently covered by grant funding.

Graeme Bass, chairman of Bid4Oban, which helped to nurture the band’s first decade event in the town, said: ‘The Skerryvore team continue to demonstrate their commitment to the festival despite the event failing to generate an operating profit. I know that other towns are keen to attract the event but Oban has shown it has the people and infrastructure to deliver this unique experience for locals and visitors alike.

‘The value to the town shown by an independent in-depth analysis shows the events are worth £1.1 million.’

Mr Bass continued: ‘The Skerryvore team continue to work with local business in order that everyone gets the most value from their event.

The Mòd is given £40,000 per year

‘It is much appreciated by many on a weekend that otherwise would be between Easter and the busy summer holidays.’

Last week local people came out in droves to buy tickets and enjoy a number of impromptu live gigs around the town from Skerryvore.

While Oban Live says it has applied for funding from Argyll and Bute Council, to date no financial support has been approved, which would help cover the costs of the event – in particular the hiring of the shinty pitch, which costs roughly £ 30,000.

A spokesman for Argyll and Bute Council said: ‘ We welcome the economic benefits which Oban Live brings to the town and are committed to continuing to work proactively with its organisers, as we have done in previous years, to ensure the event runs as smoothly as possible.

‘Part of this support includes event and traffic management advice and support, which is provided free of charge. We also help out with removal of rubbish, associated street sweeping and provide parking wardens on the day.

‘The council has a reducing major events and festival fund which supports events such as Oban’s Argyllshire Gathering and West Highland Yachting Week. Organisations are free to make representations to the council for funding support.’

A Freedom of Information request shows the local authority funds the Cowal Gathering to the tune of £130,210 over two years with a further inkind contribution (grounds, amenity services, dancing platforms, staging and so on) of £ 37,000 per year.

The Royal National Mòd receives approximately £40,000 per year, regardless of whether the event is held in the council area or not.

Helensburgh and Lomond Winter Festival had a payment of £ 36,000 to help set it up in 2012, with a payment of £35,200 for 2016 and 2017.

The Argyllshire Gathering receives £8,000 in support annually, with further in-kind payments.