New book on one of Oban

A new book has been published covering the Victorian business history of one of Oban’s leading public figures and families.

From a Trout Fly to a Steam Yacht: John Munro of Oban & Family, has been written by Tom Lennox, his great grandson, who lives in Crieff.

The book is being made available to the public to help raise funds for RNLI Oban lifeboat.

It takes its title from the family business motto which pledged to supply anything ‘from trout fly to a steam yacht’.

John Munro, born in 1847, oversaw the creation of a business empire in the town.

He established an ironmongery business in George Street, Oban, in about 1873.

In response to the yachting ‘boom’ he expanded to establish a ship chandlers on the North Pier, Oban.

John Munro premises at 94-96 George Street, Oban, circa 1925.

He also had a shipyard at Ardentrive on Kerrera for servicing and supporting yachts.

A yacht agency was also established on Corran Esplanade for the hire and sale of yachts, as well as garages at Breadalbane Street.

The Munro legacy did not end there.

The father of four was highly regarded for contributing significantly to the development of the town and making a huge contribution to public to Oban life, serving as a councillor and a Justice of the Peace.

He was also a keen educator and supporter of the Gaelic language and his faith was also important. He served the Congregational Church in Oban for almost a quarter of a century as organist, choirmaster and secretary.

Mr Lennox compiled the 78page book and its publication this year marks the 100th anniversary year of the founding of the family’s Munro’s

Shipbuilding, Repairing and Engineering Company Limited, established in 1920.

The superbly-researched book draws on historic family photographs, articles from The Oban Times, library records, information from the National Registers of Scotland, original documents, plans and invoices.

It tells the story of a remarkable man and family who served Oban for almost a century in public, religious and business roles.

The report of his funeral in The Oban Times acknowledged John Munro as a ‘noted citizen of Oban’ and praised his roles in public life as an educationist and church man, as well as recognising the ‘great gathering’ at his funeral service in September 1915.

Mr Lennox is supporting the RNLI by offering digital copies of the book in return for a donation to the RNLI with a minimum suggested donation of £5.

The book is only available as a digital download and only from the RNLI.