Oban has a proud marine heritage with thriving aquaculture farms, prawn boats, sea angling, trout and salmon fishing and a host of outdoor leisure activities on the water.
The seas off Oban’s west coast are considered among the best in the world for sailing, diving and kayaking. The coastline in Argyll is longer than that of France and is punctuated by sea lochs with strong tidal currents that create perfect growing conditions for salmon, oysters, mussels, whelks and cockles. Way back in the 4th century early Mesolithic settlers feasted on this ‘bounty of the sea’ and in modern day Oban we want to encourage visitors to do the same. And that’s the reason why Oban and Lorn Tourism Association introduced an OBAN PASSPORT during 2010 to help you get the best of the west when you eat out in our area. The scheme has been so well received that we are extending the deadline for our competitions and making an annual draw at the end of each year.
The Oban Passport gives customers a mini guide to selected restaurants which serve fresh, local produce – with a focus firmly on seafood and shellfish.
Those featured have many awards between them and range in style from romantic country house hotel to contemporary coastal chic. Some focus on families, others on fine dining. Most can also cater for dedicated carnivores!
What’s even better is that each year your passport gives you the chance to enter our Hogmanay draw for a range of fantastic prizes – including a week’s holiday for a family of four. All you need to do is to register online (or by post) and once you have your passport remember to get it stamped each time you visit one of the participating restaurants or visitor attractions. If you have already registered online there's no need to re-register, if you are joining the scheme for the first time please register online to ensure that we can contact you if you are lucky enough to win one of our free holiday prizes.
Some restaurants and attractions are also offering special Passport promotions in addition to the prizes on offer from Oban and Lorn Tourism Association. And during May, June, October, November and December you can get ‘double’ stamps when you eat out.
We hope you enjoy our selection of the Best in the West and that you share your appreciation with friends and family. If you want to plan your trip to Oban then don't forget to visit www.oban.org.uk
