Oban, Lorn & The Isles
Oban, Lorn and the Isles is a region rich in history, culture, and dramatic glaciated landscapes, forming part of the Argyll and Bute area on Scotland’s west coast. Geographically, it stretches from the bustling harbour town of Oban, known as the “Gateway to the Isles,” across the mainland area of Lorn, and out to the Inner Hebridean islands, including Mull, Iona, Coll, Tiree, Kerrera, and Lismore.
This area is steeped in heritage. On the sacred Isle of Iona, you'll find the famous Iona Abbey, one of the oldest and most important religious centres in Western Europe. Duart Castle on Mull stands as a striking symbol of the Clan Maclean, while the Isle of Lismore is home to early Christian and Norse archaeological remains. On the mainland, Dunstaffnage Castle, near Oban, is one of Scotland’s oldest stone castles and a former stronghold of the MacDougall clan.
Oban, Lorn and the Isles is defined not only by its historic sites but also by its living heritage — Gaelic language, crofting traditions, fishing, and music — all shaped by centuries of island and coastal life.
Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands
Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands is a region of deep-rooted history and diverse heritage, located in the southern part of Argyll and Bute. This area includes the mainland districts of Mid Argyll and the Kintyre peninsula, along with the nearby islands of Islay, Jura, and Gigha — each with their own distinct cultural identity and historical significance.
The region is home to some of Scotland’s most important prehistoric and early historic sites. In Kilmartin Glen, Mid Argyll boasts over 800 ancient monuments within just a few miles — standing stones, cairns, and carved rock art that testify to human presence here for over 5,000 years. Nearby, Dunadd Fort, the ancient seat of the kings of Dál Riata, marks the birthplace of early Scottish identity.
To the north of Mid Argyll, on the shores of Loch Fyne, lies Inveraray Castle, the grand ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll, chief of Clan Campbell. A masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture, the castle is not only a major visitor attraction but also a powerful symbol of the region’s aristocratic and clan heritage.
Further south, the Kintyre peninsula offers a unique blend of Norse, Gaelic, and maritime heritage, with historic towns like Campbeltown reflecting its once-thriving role in shipbuilding and whisky production. The Mull of Kintyre is famed not only for its dramatic scenery but also for its long history as a cultural crossroads.
To the west, the islands of Islay, Jura and Gigha are rich in both natural beauty and cultural legacy. Islay, the "Queen of the Hebrides", is world-renowned for its whisky distilleries and early Christian sites, including Finlaggan, the historic seat of the Lords of the Isles. Jura is wilder and less populated, known for its rugged landscape and literary connection to George Orwell. Gigha, the smallest of the three, is known for its early Christian heritage, fertile land, and vibrant community spirit.
Together, this region tells a story of Scotland’s ancient roots, seafaring traditions, and enduring cultural resilience.
Cowal & Bute
Cowal and Bute form a distinctive part of Argyll and Bute, combining dramatic Highland scenery with rich cultural heritage and maritime tradition. Bordered by sea lochs and forested glens, this area includes the Cowal peninsula, stretching between Loch Long, Loch Goil, and Loch Fyne, and the Isle of Bute, located in the Firth of Clyde.
Cowal is known for its rugged landscapes, historic villages, and long history as a gateway between the Highlands and Lowlands. Key heritage sites include the atmospheric ruins of Castle Lachlan, ancestral seat of Clan MacLachlan, and the Cowal Highland Gathering in Dunoon—one of the oldest and most prestigious Highland games in the world. The peninsula’s coastal settlements and inland routes reflect centuries of clan history, fishing, and forestry, as well as its strategic importance in Scotland’s military past.
The Isle of Bute, once a royal stronghold, is equally rich in history. Its most iconic landmark is Mount Stuart, a spectacular Gothic Revival mansion built by the Marquesses of Bute, renowned for its architecture, gardens, and artistic heritage. Rothesay Castle, with its circular design and Norse connections, stands in the island’s main town and bears witness to Bute’s medieval significance and its role in the power struggles of the west coast.
Cowal and Bute offer a heritage experience that blends Highland tradition with coastal culture — from ancient strongholds and Victorian grandeur to living traditions in music, storytelling, and craft.
Helensburgh & Lomond
Helensburgh and Lomond sits at the eastern edge of Argyll and Bute, where the Lowlands meet the Highlands, and where natural beauty and cultural history come together. This area stretches along the north shore of the Firth of Clyde and includes the town of Helensburgh, the surrounding Lomond Hills, and the western shores of Loch Lomond, Scotland’s largest and most iconic loch.
Helensburgh itself is a town of architectural elegance and artistic heritage. It is best known as the home of Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s Hill House, an Arts and Crafts masterpiece and one of Scotland’s most important 20th-century buildings. The town developed as a fashionable Victorian resort, and its grand villas and esplanade reflect its status during the golden age of Clyde steamers.
To the north, the Lomond area encompasses part of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, a landscape of lochs, glens, and wooded hills that has inspired poets, artists, and storytellers for centuries. The loch itself has long been a cultural boundary and a transport route, with ancient crannogs (lake dwellings) and clan territories lining its shores. The area also includes sites of military and clan significance, such as the remains of Bannachra Castle and links to the Colquhoun and MacGregor clans.
Helensburgh and Lomond offer a gateway into both Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage — where elegant townscapes meet ancient landscapes, and stories of innovation, tradition, and identity come vividly to life.