Around Oban

It’s fantastic news that this week Scotland moved to Level 0, another step in our journey back to normality, but it’s up to us to be sensible and keep doing what we’re doing.

The good weather we’ve been having has made it much easier to meet up with others outdoors and the fact that so many places now have outside seating is really adding to the holiday atmosphere, even if you live here.

I must admit to being very partial to a beer garden on a nice day and luckily we have lots of them to enjoy and plenty of lovely outdoor seating in the cafes. I hope this continues after the pandemic is over as it’s really enhanced the town centre.

On Monday we were also delighted to welcome another enhancement for Oban with the first of Scotrail’s Highland Explorer Active Travel carriages. This is the first of the carriages to be rolled out, with space for 20 bikes, lots more room for luggage and charging points for electric bikes. As well as making it much easier for visitors to bring their bikes to explore Argyll it will also allow Obanites to travel to other stations along the line to Glasgow and enjoy days out with their bikes.

The carriage looks fantastic too – it’s decorated with various images, including of Kilchurn Castle. It’s going to turn heads as it travels between Oban and Glasgow.

The photograph last week was of the beautiful flower planters at St John’s Cathedral, and this week – I’ve already given you a hint.