Around Oban

Spring is here at long last. I didn’t even have to wear a coat on Friday when we welcomed our first cruise ship of the season.

Spitzbergen will be calling again next Wednesday, on April 12, so look out for people in red rain jackets on walking tours and taking advantage of our fantastic shops, cafes and pubs.

We also have Ziuderdam calling on Saturday April 29 before we head into May where we welcome five ships, hopefully in brilliant sunshine.

Thanks to the hard work of all the volunteers for the Keep Oban Beautiful Spring Clean, Oban now looks ready for spring and summer, so locals and visitors alike can get out and about and enjoy their surroundings.

Dunollie Museum, Castle and Grounds has reopened and is looking fabulous and our boat trips are now operating again, with Oban War and Peace Museum also up and running, so we’re ready for an influx of visitors.

They are great days out for locals, too, with something new and interesting to see every week.

Sometimes we don’t take enough time to appreciate what we have on our own doorstep and in Oban we’re luckier than most to have great places to visit, all within easy reach.

A short drive to Dunbeg gives you a brilliant wee day out for a visit to Ocean Explorer Centre which is fascinating and has a lovely café, and then you can nip into Dunstaffnage Castle for a trip into the past.

There is already lots to look forward to this month and a wee extra treat is a nostalgic afternoon tea at The Royal Hotel on Saturday April 22, run by the Inner Wheel in aid of North Argyll Carers Centre and Crossroads, which includes an Old Oban presentation by John MacLean. It’s a lovely way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

As always more details can be found online at Oban What’s On.