Mantrap returns to Oban

Oban’s newest bar hopes to put its namesake on proud show.

Daniel MacIntyre, who is reopening the iconic Mantrap in Argyll Street, is in negotiations with the family who have the actual trap in their possession.

He wants to put the trap on show at the venue for when it opens at the end of next month or early June.

Mr MacIntyre, who runs neighbouring venue The View, is leasing the ground-floor premises and is investing about £40,000 in his new venture.

It was two decades ago when the pub, an Oban institution, pulled its last pint, and the building has been lying empty for a number of years, although it has been used by Hope Kitchen and as a cat café.

‘Having an accessible space for the people who can’t face the 30-plus steps we have up to The View was a big driver for us!’ said Daniel who is still deciding on a name for the former pub.

‘I’m still thinking about it! I could call it anything, the Rear View, or something else but you can be rest assured it will always be called the Mantrap by Oban people!’

He added: ‘There’s a lack of meeting spaces in the town we are going to fill a need for spaces for small conferences or celebrations. In the evening it can be booked out for functions or open generally with live sports screen, and for pool - that kind of thing.

‘I’m also talking with students about a space for them to socialise and study together.’

Councillors unanimously voted to grant a premises licence for the pub earlier this month.

Plans include conference and restaurant facilities, bar meals, televised sport and hosting other group meetings.

Under the plans, the function room will have a new access point from the building that currently houses The View, on the junction of George Street and Argyll Street – though the existing access point to the premises will be maintained.

Councillor Roddy McCuish (Oban South and the Isles) who was on the licensing board said: ‘I am 100 per cent supportive of this. The View has been a roaring success and a great asset to Oban, and will add to the experience we have here. The former Mantrap has lain empty for many years.’