Oban

It's almost impossible to avoid Oban when touring the west. Its waterfront has some character, but the town's main role is as a launch point for excursions into Argyll and for ferry trips to the islands. A traditional Scottish resort town, Oban has many music festivals, ceilidhs with Highland dancing, as well as all the usual tartan kitsch and late-night revelry in pubs and hotel bars. Still, there are more exciting destinations just over the horizon, on the islands and down Kintyre.