ITS Gaelic name translates as "little bay" – but there are big ambitions for a scenic town in the Scottish Highlands.
Scots are being urged to get behind a campaign to achieve city status for Oban, which will compete against other UK towns for the designation.
Argyll and Bute Council has also agreed to develop a bid for the town to become a UK City of Culture in 2029.
Argyll and Bute Council leader Robin Currie said the decision was about "showcasing that this is a great place to live work and invest".
He said: "I would encourage everyone to get involved in helping Oban, and Argyll and Bute, win."
A report compiled to support the bid argues that Oban is in a strategically important position on the west coast of the Highlands and Islands and is the "gateway" to island communities.
It is described as a key transport hub, with one of the busiest ferry ports in the UK and "good road, rail, active travel and air links."
Oban is a designated University Town with more than 1000 students including the world renowned SAMs (Scottish Association for Marine Science) institute.
The council says it has a growing population, an expanding and diversifying economy, and is an important tourist hub, with its population boosted from 8.5k to 25k during peak summer periods.
Members of the public are being urged to show their support on the council's website.
The UK Government launched civic competitions, which include granting "city status" in 2022, as part of the Queen’s platinum jubilee celebrations next year. It has also announced a competition for UK City of Culture 2029.
For the first time, the honour is not restricted to cities but can be entered by a place, making Argyll and Bute eligible.
Councillor Currie said: “This is all about bringing opportunities for growth and success to Argyll and Bute.
"This area is rich in culture and heritage, and is the cradle of the Gaelic language.
"This makes Argyll and Bute a strong candidate for UK City of Culture.”
To show support for Oban city status go to www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/back-bid-oban-city-status-2022
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel