The Nine broadcasts live from North Pier

BBC Scotland’s The Nine was broadcast live from Oban last Wednesday night on the week that many businesses reopened for the first time in months, writes Fiona Scott.

Presenter Rebecca Curran was joined by chief news correspondent James Cook on North Pier for the live broadcast with the former carrying out interviews with Bid4Oban’s Andrew Spence, town ambassador Kay MacDonald and tour guide Irianni Munoz.

The town appeared on the hour-long news programme due to it being one of the hardest hit financially because of the effect lockdown has had on its tourism sector, with cruises, bus tours and events all cancelled over the summer and for the foreseeable future.

When asked if the town was capable of getting enough people back to make up the deficit Mr Spence commented: ‘I am quite concerned about the situation. We have a significant amount of trade to make up and that is going to be a real uphill struggle for all of us.

‘We never write anything off, however, and one of the things the Bid organisation prides itself on is its ability to be able to extend the season.

‘We now have a highly successful Winter Festival in November and are fast becoming an all-year-round destination. It’s going to be very difficult but what is good to see that hotels and self catering units are seeing bookings pick up again.

‘What we have to do now is ensure that we get that safety message across, make sure that we are operating safely and that our tourists are safe when they come here.’

Among the many devastating blows to the town over the last 100 or so days has been the loss of revenue from 22,000 cruise ship passengers along with a multitude of coach tours and event cancellations.

Town Ambassador Kay MacDonald said: ‘Oban is such a warm, friendly place and it has been really sad seeing it so quiet.

‘Over the last week, however, there has been a real buzz about the place as the shops and cafes open up again which is fantastic.

‘I don’t think there is anywhere quite like Oban. No matter what the weather there is always something here to attract people and when they are ready to return we will be here and ready to welcome them back.’

The show also featured footage and interviews from Eeusk, the Royal Hotel, the Ranald Hotel, Manor House, and Mark Mitchell, Sea Kayak Oban, with soundbites also used for Drivetime on BBC Radio Scotland.