LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE HERE
It's clear why Argyll and the Islands is the ideal choice with easy access to the marine environment, but the local area also offers the opportunity to enjoy life to its fullest.
An area of outstanding natural beauty with mountains, lochs, islands and hundreds of miles of coastline, the region’s wilderness has seen it become the base for some of the country’s leading renewable energy developers and marine science research.
Part of the Glasgow commuter belt, there is a diverse mix of urban communities, remote rural villages and island populations.
The social enterprise sector is important in shaping local growth. The Mull and Iona Community Trust and Jura Community Business deliver services for their communities. A strong sense of civic pride underpinning successful community-led campaigns has secured the legacy of Campbeltown Picture House and Dunoon Burgh Hall for future generations, be they families, businesses or day trippers.
Tourists come for the seafood, distilleries, scenery, wildlife and pace of island life, but they’re not the only ones to have been drawn by its charms.
The Gulf Stream keeps these shores relatively temperate, and otters, sea eagles and dolphins are among the regular visitors. Orcas have been known to feed in these waters, too.
Around 80% of the region’s residents live within 1km of the coast, and frequent ferry and train connections connect the rural communities of this unspoilt wilderness to the central belt. Regular flights also operate from Oban to Coll, Tiree, Colonsay and Islay.
To see our full commitment to creating a sustainable lifestyle have a look at our Green Transport Strategy.
An outdoor adventure playground
Whether you are an adrenalin junkie or prefer a more relaxed pace of life, Argyll has it all to offer.
Diving, sailing, kayaking or mountain biking, skiing and photography, Scotland’s West Coast offers it all, in abundance.
The thriving town of Oban, as a busy tourist hub, offers the facilities, services and culture that you would expect of a much larger town. With award-winning restaurants, superb community run cinema, thriving music scene and great leisure facilities, an active social life can be enjoyed here.
You can find out more about the area, what there is to see and do on VisitScotland's website, the national tourism organisation for Scotland.
Gateway to the Isles
Oban is well connected by air, sea, road and rail. Glasgow Airport is a two hour drive and Oban Airport and Ferry Terminal provide regular flights and sailings respectively to many Hebridean Islands.
The A82 and A85 trunk roads give easy access to Scotland’s motorway network, whilst a regular train service connects Oban to the national railway network.
Find out more about our area
- Schools and education - Argyll and Bute Council
- Leisure facilities and tourism - VisitScotland
- Business support - Highlands and Islands Enterprise