Oban has been named as Scotland’s Town of the Year.
It has lifted the title after judges in the Scotland Loves Local Awards heard how townsfolk have banded together to “reinvent” the picturesque Argyllshire community.
The accolade comes amid a remarkable year in which the town has shone in the global spotlight, delivering a multi-million pound economic boost as a port in The Clipper Round The World Yacht Race – alongside the likes of Washington DC and Cape Town.
It also recently played host to Scotland’s Royal National Mod festival, a celebration of Gaelic culture which attracted in excess of 10,000 people.
Town of the Year one of a series of prizes in the Scotland Loves Local Awards, organised by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP) to recognise and reward the vision, dedication and determination which makes the nations places better places to live.
They included those presented to Kilmarnock businessman Peter Telfer, who took the Place Leader Award, while the Most Enterprising Community accolade went to Letham Climate Challenge in Perth.
High Street Hero Awards have also been presented in each of the country’s eight Scottish Parliamentary regions.
STV weather presenter Sean Batty – an ambassador for Scotland Loves Local – and STP Chief Officer Kimberley Guthrie joined in the celebrations as they presented the Town of the Year award to community champions in Oban.
He said: “What strikes me is how passionate everyone here is about their town. People who’ve moved here from elsewhere have just fallen in love with the place.
“It’s easy to see why Oban is so special. Every person I’ve spoken to talks about how it’s the people who make the place and how they’re at the heart of keeping the town thriving. This award is well-deserved recognition for all that they do.”
A panel of independent judges brought together by STP had the tough task of selecting the Town of the Year, sponsored by tech firm Vicinity.
STP Chief Officer Kimberley Guthrie, who was also part of the award presentation, said: “Oban should wear its Town of the Year crown with pride.
“Its success is such a great example of amazing workmanship to deliver on the community’s vision and ambition. This richly-deserved award recognises everything that goes on behind the scenes to make all of this possible.”
Much of the transformation seen in Oban in recent years has been credited with the town’s Business Improvement District, BID4Oban, forging new links with businesses, organisations and people to make things happen since its launch in 2012.
That teamwork has ranged from supporting festive lights and hanging baskets throughout the town and sponsoring Oban Pride Weekend to attracting small cruise ships to visit and playing a key part in the team attracting and supporting the Clipper visit.
Other recent work has included that with Argyll and Bute Council on the revamp of the busy Gibraltar Street thoroughfare, as well as continual efforts to champion the town’s vibrant independent businesses to locals and visitors alike.
Andrew Spence, BID4Oban’s Chief Executive, said: “We are beyond delighted that Oban is Scotland’s Town of the Year.
“The reinvention in the town over the last 12 years really has been inspirational. We have a vibrant town centre with events that benefit both locals and visitors.”
And Councillor Jim Lynch, the Leader of Argyll & But Council, added: “I am delighted that Oban has been crowned Scotland’s Town of the Year. I am lucky enough to call this beautiful town my home and I could not be more proud to live in such a wonderful place. The council has invested millions of pounds to improve Oban town centre over the last few years, and we have invested more than £1.5 million on the North Pier Pontoons.
“We’re delighted to have also been a partner in delivering the highly-successful Clipper Round the World Race and the Royal National Mod. These events not only helped attract more visitors, providing substantial economic benefits to the area, but they also helped showcase the town’s unique community spirit and hospitality.”
Read more about Oban’s Town of the Year success and the other Scotland Loves Local Awards winners here.
