Posts Tagged ‘Oban’

Oban Bicentenary

Wednesday, June 1st, 2011

Oban, meaning Little Bay, was officially granted the status of Royal Burgh 200 years ago by a Royal Charter in favour of the Duke of Argyll. Despite its size of around 8000 residents, it is in fact the largest town between Helensburgh and Fort William and known as the “Gateway to the Isles”. The population can more than triple during a busy tourist season.

To commemorate the bicentenary, the town is hosting a range of celebratory events over ten days, beginning Saturday July 9th 2011. With the town centered around the harbour, the Tall Ship will be open for tours along with yacht and kayak races around the bay and harbour activities run by Stramash Outdoor Activity Company. The Oban Distillery is one of the town’s oldest attractions dating back to 1794 so there is no surprise to see their involvement with weeklong celebrations taking place there. On Saturday 16th there will be a Guinness World record attempt for the biggest Highland Dance ‘strip the willow’ on the North Pier. Join in if you wear tartan!

The highlight of the events will be an appearance from HRH Princess Royal when she will visit The Oban Times and The Oban War and Peace Museum on Tuesday July 12. Princess Anne is no stranger to Oban and the Islands with a visit in 2010 on the Hebridean Princess along with the rest of the Royal Family. She frequents the waters near the hotel on many occasions in her yacht and you may even catch a peep of her this time if she pops in for a scone!

For more information of events taking place, please visit the following sites:
http://www.oban.org.uk/Oban-Bicentenary-Scotland
http://www.oban.org.uk/pdfs/bicentennialbrochure.pdf

Scottish Labour Party Conference in Oban

Thursday, September 23rd, 2010

The Scottish Labour Party Conference descends on Oban from 29-31 October when about 600 delegates will pour into the Corran Halls.

The Party last held its conference in Oban in November 2006 when Tony Blair gave a keynote speech and Jack McConnell was First Minister of Scotland.

A special treat for delegates this time will be the appearance of the new Labour Party leader who will make his or her first conference address after becoming leader which is sure to attract a lot of media and public interest.

If 2006 is anything to go by, Oban will be transformed by the Party Conference. Security surrounding this event is always high with a large police and media presence, traffic diversions will be put in place and even police boats patrolling Oban Bay. We’re just glad Loch Melfort Hotel is handy for Oban, but just far enough outside the town in a tranquil, scenic setting.

In a special deal for the days surrounding the conference, Loch Melfort Hotel is offering reduced accommodation and meal rates.

Scottish Labour Party Conference Special Deal – save £24 per night on B and B accommodation!

£45 per person per night with breakfast-to-go if you want an early start. Stay 3 nights and get third night for £20!

Based on 2 sharing a standard Cedar Wing room (single supplement £25 per night, bring your dog for £8 per night)

To take advantage of this special conference deal, please contact the hotel on 01852 200 233.

Oban as a Conference Venue

Thursday, September 23rd, 2010

The Highland town of Oban is always a hive of activity. Affectionately known as the “Gateway to the Isles”, Oban attracts locals and tourists every day as they soak up the town’s special atmosphere, hop on a ferry to an island or two, enjoy the delicious local seafood, or take a boat trip to the nearby seal colonies.

As the largest town on Scotland’s west coast, Oban also attracts many organisations who want that special location for a conference, the most high profile being the Scottish Labour Party. The town has excellent amenities, has good road and rail transport links with Oban airport only a few miles out of the town, and high quality accommodation and eateries.

Anyone attending a conference in Oban is struck by the stunning views the town affords. However, here at Loch Melfort Hotel a few miles south of Oban, we believe we have the finest views on the west coast. Our position commands breathtaking views of the magnificent Sound of Jura and its islands, and because of our position in Asknish Bay, it is beautifully tranquil.

Indeed, this is one main reason conference delegates and business executives choose to escape Oban’s hustle and bustle and stay with us. They enjoy not only the scenery and tranquil setting, but our delicious, award winning food made with fresh ingredients sourced locally, cosy lounges and relaxing atmosphere.

We also have full conference facilities of our own and an experienced team who are well-versed in creating tailor made set ups for conferences, seminars, and meetings. As an added bonus, our boardroom has an incredible inspiring view which helps create a perfect, stress-free environment for corporate gatherings.

The Royal National Mod Comes Home

Tuesday, October 6th, 2009

Oban will be a hive of activity the week of 9th October when the Royal National Mod comes back to its birthplace.

The opening ceremony will swing into action at Corran Hall in Oban at 7.30 on Friday 9th October, and for the following week singers, choirs, musicians, spoken word readers and audiences will all celebrate the Scottish Gaelic culture with typical Highland flair and enthusiasm.

Outside the formal competitions, Fringe events (many of which are free) such as ceilidhs, concerts, shinty, guided walks, talks and exhibitions allowing the artists, Mod fans and the local community to come together and let their hair down.

This year’s Mod takes place during Homecoming year and visitors from around the world are expected to add even more flavour to Oban’s already electric and cosmopolitan atmosphere.

For more details of the Mod and the programme of events visit the Royal National Mod website, and to book accommodation amidst the most beautiful scenery on the West coast stop by the Loch Melfort Hotel website.