McCaig's Tower & Battery Hill
McCaig's Tower & Battery Hill things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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McCaig’s Tower is a prominent landmark in the resort town of Oban in Argyll on Scotland’s west coast. Built in 1897 by local banker John Stuart McCaig, the aim of the tower was to provide work for local stonemasons and a lasting monument to the McCaig family. The climb from the town centre to McCaig's Tower is well worth the effort when faced with the spectacular views across Oban Bay to the Atlantic Islands. The gardens inside the tower are well maintained and are a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of town life in Oban. McCaig's Tower or McCaig's Folly is a prominent tower on Battery Hill overlooking the town of Oban in Argyll, Scotland. It is built of Bonawe granite taken from the quarries across Airds Bay, on Loch Etive, from Muckairn, with a circumference of about 200 metres (660 ft) with two-tiers of 94 lancet arches (44 on the bottom and 50 on top). It is a Grade B Listed historic monument. The structure was commissioned, at a cost of £5,000 sterling (equivalent to £690,000 in 2023), by the wealthy, philanthropic banker (North of Scotland Bank), John Stuart McCaig. John Stuart McCaig was his own architect. The tower was erected between 1897 and his death, aged 78 from cardiac arrest, on 29 June 1902 at John Square House in Oban. McCaig's intention was to provide a lasting monument to his family, and provide work for the local stonemasons during the winter months. McCaig was an admirer of Roman and Greek architecture, and had planned for an elaborate structure, based on the Colosseum in Rome. His plans allowed for a museum and art gallery with a central tower to be incorporated. Inside the central tower he planned to commission statues of himself, his siblings and their parents. His death brought an end to construction, with only the outer walls completed. Although his will included £1,000 per year for maintenance, the will was disputed by his heirs; their appeal to the court was successful.
En Yin LiewEn Yin Liew
00
After many years of visiting Oban and looking up the hill, wondering what the tower actually was, we decided to go find out. Getting to the tower in our lwb campervan was "interesting" lol. The roads are narrow, really steep and have some very tight corners to turn. Edging between parked cars, we questioned if we had made a bad decision. We got the answer to the question after we got parked and went into the tower. Absolutely YES. The view over Oban and the bay is fantastic from the viewing point. There are a few benches to sit on and enjoy the view out towards the Isle of Mull. Inside the tower is basically a garden and grass area. Nothing spectacular but so peaceful, with views framed by the arched windows. There weren't many people there on the day we visited so we really enjoyed the silence. I definitely recommend making the effort to get there.
Helen “Nannabear” GreenHelen “Nannabear” Green
00
McCaig's Tower is a wistful what-might-have-been. John McCaig, a banker, envisioned a massive monument to himself and his family. He saw a type of Roman Coliseum with statues, rising up three levels, with a central tower. He wanted to provide employment for the local stonemasons, who must have been glad of the steady work that lasted from 1876 until 1902. That's when Mr McCaig died. His heirs fought to get the money instead of honouring his wishes to continue work through funds left in a legacy. Now it's a very large stone shell of a coliseum, open to weather, with nicely groomed grounds, popular with tourists and dog walkers with spectacular views. There is a fair-sized car park but most people walk up to it. There are no facilities. Just a lovely spot to enjoy.
Jean RybinskiJean Rybinski
00
Beautiful visitor spot, I would recommend the trip. The views across Oban are spectacular. The walk up the hill is quite steep but you are only 10 minutes from the ferry stop walking so it is not too bad. Inside the tower is very peaceful and the viewing platform has a guide to what you can see including Lismore lighthouse. It was quite busy when I was there in July but it still felt like I had the place to myself. If you are a photographer with the right equipment you would be able to get some amazing shots. There was no other facilities at the site eg toilets or food but as you are so close to the town this is not an issue if prepared.
Yvonne HarrisonYvonne Harrison
00
We had an incredible experience at this location with a breathtaking view of the city and sea. The historic monument is round-shaped and looks abandoned. We visited it in the morning when the sky was clear, and it was beautiful. However, it was challenging to locate the entrance due to the absence of proper signposts, but fortunately, a local guided us. The car park is free, and there is no entry fee. On weekdays, hardly any visitors are present, making it a must-visit place in Oban. The hill leading up to the monument is steep and a bit thrilling to dive into, but it's worth it for the stunning view.
Venkatesan Selvaraj DrVenkatesan Selvaraj Dr
30
It’s a brisk little walk up the hill to get to McCaig’s tower but you get the opportunity to see and feel the sleepy village’s true charm the whole way through. Once you’ve reached the peak, find a nice spot and just take in the brilliant view of Oban’s harbour from above. The lights placed along the arched pillars will turn on before dark, providing the landscape with a cool and mysterious atmosphere to soak up as the dusk turns towards the night sky. Note: you can drive up and park your car in the car park before walking in, but trust me, the walk up is the better experience. 🔭
Andres EngraciaAndres Engracia
20
Nearby Attractions Of McCaig's Tower & Battery Hill
Oban Distillery
Atlantis Leisure
Oban War & Peace Museum
St John's Scottish Episcopal Cathedral : Oban
Oban Hills Hydropathic Sanatorium

Oban Distillery
4.8
(864)Click for details

Atlantis Leisure
4.4
(186)Click for details

Oban War & Peace Museum
4.5
(159)Click for details

St John's Scottish Episcopal Cathedral : Oban
4.7
(15)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of McCaig's Tower & Battery Hill
The Corryvreckan - JD Wetherspoon
Cuan Mor
EE-USK
Oban Seafood Hut.. (Green Shack)
The Waterfront Fishouse Restaurant
Markie Dans
The Oban Fish & Chip Shop
Aulay's Bar
Lorne Bar
Coast Restaurant

The Corryvreckan - JD Wetherspoon
4.2
(2.1K)Click for details

Cuan Mor
4.3
(1.4K)Click for details

EE-USK
4.5
(1.4K)$$
Click for details

Oban Seafood Hut.. (Green Shack)
4.8
(857)Click for details
Basic Info
Address
Duncraggan Rd, Oban PA34 5DP, United Kingdom
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4.5
(2.2K reviews)
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cultural
outdoor
family friendly
Description
McCaig's Tower, also known by tourists as McCaig's Folly, is a prominent tower on Battery Hill overlooking the town of Oban in Argyll, Scotland.
attractions: Oban Distillery, Atlantis Leisure, Oban War & Peace Museum, St John's Scottish Episcopal Cathedral : Oban, Oban Hills Hydropathic Sanatorium, restaurants: The Corryvreckan - JD Wetherspoon, Cuan Mor, EE-USK, Oban Seafood Hut.. (Green Shack), The Waterfront Fishouse Restaurant, Markie Dans, The Oban Fish & Chip Shop, Aulay's Bar, Lorne Bar, Coast Restaurant

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