This long-overdue new history of Oban tells its story from the arrival of the first settlers in 10,000 BC to the development of the vibrant town it is today.

It traces the impact of early Celts, Scots and Vikings, the formation of the Lordship of the Isles and the subsequent dominance of Clan MacDougall and then the Campbells. Through disasters, wars, famine and clearance, the people of Oban showed a spirit of recovery, entrepreneurship and resilience.

Why did early inhabitants choose Oban as a desirable place to settle? What made the character of the people living here so resilient and adaptable? How much power did local clan chiefs and landowners wield and how did their actions influence the development of the town? Who were the 'ordinary' folk and what were their lives like?

In this story of Oban's evolution, these questions are answered, painting a picture of life over the centuries, not just in Oban but throughout the wider West Highlands. The book will be of interest not only to those who are lucky enough to call Oban home but to the many thousands of visitors who sample its atmosphere, hospitality and natural beauty.



Mhairi Livingstone grew up in Oban and has a family line in the town dating back to 1834. After studying Scottish history at Edinburgh University and attending Jordanhill College of Education, she worked as a teacher in Oban and raised her family there. Now retired, she continues to be involved in local history projects and is a keen explorer of the countryside on foot and by bike. She is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland and author of Auld Claes an' Porridge (2009).



'Spanning several thousand years, but concentrating on the present-day town's emergence and development, Mhairi Livingstone's account of Oban is everything a history of this sort should be - exhaustively researched, perceptive, highly readable and dealing always in the lives of Oban's people'



'This book fills a huge gap in our knowledge . . . there was no authoritative book to present Oban's story across the centuries. At long last, Mhairi Livingstone has provided the missing volume. I am delighted to see it and greatly enriched by its contents'



'I am so glad to have this book on my desk. As one who was brought up in Oban I find it hugely informative about every aspect of the town and surrounding area which I thought I knew so well . . . Mhairi Livingstone has done a first-rate job of bringing both the developments and the characters to life for us'