Shop in Oban to keep town vibrant

The new Premier Inn opens today (Thursday February 28) and has been the subject of much conversation since the announcement it was going to be built.

I’m delighted to say that most of the conversation I’ve heard has been positive, and it certainly makes that area of the town look much better and can only add to what Oban has to offer our visitors.

Things are happening on George Street too with building work going on in what was Kitchen Garden and Oban Bay Fish Bar and Restaurant. While it’s sad not to have the old businesses there any more, it’s exciting to be welcoming new ones to the town.

I hear from many of our visitors how lucky we are to have such a vibrant town centre, and I agree, but it’s not something we can become complacent about. It would be so easy for

businesses to slip away with the lure of internet shopping tempting everyone.

However, as a town we have to make conscious decisions about supporting the businesses we have large and small or it would be very easy to lose them. It’s so easy to sit in the evening browsing the internet but nothing beats going into a shop and getting to see and touch things. The colours are truer and it’s much easier to judge the quality.

You also have the benefit of a shopkeeper for advice and some human interaction, which always makes the experience better, and you

don’t have to wait for it to be delivered and have the stress of wondering if it’ll arrive on time or in one piece.

I encourage everyone to think about it when they go to order something. Is there somewhere locally you could buy it? It means someone locally is making a living and perhaps employing others and putting money back into the economy which can only be a good thing.

The photo last week was of the building above New Look. It’s amazing what you spot when you look up. This week’s photo isn’t too far away and is part of a beautiful building.