Discover the history of Oban and its military involvement at this compact yet compelling little museum.
The Oban War and Peace Museum is a small museum chronicling the interesting history of this busy port town. The museum emphasizes the strategic role the town played during the two world wars, when RAF Flying Boats operated from the bay and Australian, Canadian and U.S. aircrew were stationed here. Discover the story of the town’s fishing and maritime industries, view an impressive flying boat model with a 14-foot (4-meter) wingspan and learn about how local men and women helped in the war effort.
Set on the ground floor of the former Oban Times building, the museum began as a temporary exhibition in 1995 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the ending of World War II. The exhibition proved so popular with locals and visitors that it became permanent. As you might therefore expect, the museum focuses heavily on the town’s military past, but there are also a number of fascinating exhibits dedicated to Oban’s overall social and cultural heritage.
As you step into the museum, look for the enormous Thomson-Houston projector. Added to Oban's cinema house in the 1930s, this projector continued to operate until the cinema burned down in 1958.
It’s almost impossible to miss the museum’s scale model of a Short Sunderland III flying boat, an aircraft that served during World War II. This massive model is radio controlled and even flyable. Be on the lookout for an ornamental plate from the Boer War, as well as a stunning painted board depicting the ships of the Calmac fleet.
Other exhibits examine the local sport, Shinty, as well as the construction of the town’s famous McCaig’s Tower. Find out about Oban’s role as a base for Catalina seaplanes during World War II. Head to the back of the museum to see an informative audiovisual presentation dedicated to the town’s history.
The Oban War and Peace Museum is located adjacent to the North Pier next to the Regent Hotel. Admission is free, but keep in mind that the museum is staffed by volunteers so donations are welcome. Opening hours vary by season, with limited hours from mid-July to mid-September. Gain insight into Oban’s remarkable history at this illuminating museum.
