Oban has been crowned as Scotland’s Town of the Year – with the positive impact of its business improvement district shining in the spotlight.
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.
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.
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.
“Oban, like several towns, was tired before the BID. We were suffering from changes to retail, an ageing demographic, low-end tourism, poor and tired infrastructure and lack of promotion of the town as a destination.
“Through collaborative and partnership working, Oban is now vibrant and welcoming as the gateway to the islands through our major ferry port and the Seafood Capital of Scotland.
“The feedback we received after the Clipper race was that the organisers, crews and their families thought this was one of the best stopover and host ports anywhere in the world – and the community benefited hugely.”
Teamwork involving the BID 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.
STV weather presenter Sean Batty – an ambassador for Scotland Loves Local – joined in the celebrations as he presented the Town of the Year award to community champions.
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 awards organisers Scotland’s Towns Partnership (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.”
An inspiration to others
Technology solutions company Vicinity, which works with a range of towns across the country to analyse, understand and develop towns to meet shopper and visitor demands, sponsored the Town of the Year category in the Scotland Loves Local Awards.
Chief Executive Henry Jinman said: “Oban’s a shining light for what other towns can achieve through collaboration, innovation and ambition. Massive congratulations go to the whole town.
“Other communities really can be inspired by what’s happening here. I cannot wait to spend some time with some of the BID4Oban team shortly to celebrate, learn more about their success and how they plan to continue improving the town.”
Other finalists in the Scotland Loves Local Awards Town of the Year category were Broughty Ferry (Dundee), Darvel (East Ayrshire), East Kilbride (South Lanarkshire) and Inverurie (Aberdeenshire).
