McCaig's Tower & Battery Hill — Attraction in Scotland

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...

A bit of history for this site😊

McCaig's Tower, which sits atop Battery Hill, has been a commanding feature of the Argyll and Bute town since 1897. The tower was the built by a wealthy banker John Stuart McCaig, who had plans for it to house a museum and art gallery, along with statues of himself and his family in a central tower.

McCaig was an admirer of Roman and Greek architecture and purposefully designed the building as a copy of the Colosseum.

Granite for the tower's construction was locally sourced from quarries in the Airds Bay, construction initially provided jobs for local stonemasons.

However, his dream was not fully realised due to his unexpected death from cardiac arrest in June 1902. Today, the tower stands as a local attraction.

McCaig's Tower may be incomplete, but it's certainly a fascinating piece of history, it has held Grade B Listed status since 1971 because of it's unusual nature.

A place that is loved locally, great for images and views of the surrounding...

McCaig’s Tower & Battery Hill – Must-Visit Views in Oban

McCaig’s Tower is one of Oban’s most iconic landmarks. The short but steep walk is well worth it for the sweeping views across the harbour and out to the islands. The tower itself is striking, and the gardens inside are beautifully maintained, offering a peaceful space to sit and reflect. It is particularly stunning at sunset, when the changing light across the bay makes for spectacular photographs.

Battery Hill provides another excellent vantage point. Slightly less visited, it offers a quieter experience with equally rewarding views of the town and coastline. The walk is a little steep but manageable, and the tranquility at the top makes it a hidden gem for those who enjoy exploring off the main tourist track.

Together, McCaig’s Tower and Battery Hill showcase the very best panoramas of Oban, each with its own charm. A visit to both is highly recommended for anyone wanting to experience the town’s most...