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McCaigs Tower
A Nature & Ancient Sites in Oban
Oban
PA344NE
Nature Site
McCaig's Tower is a prominent folly on the hillside (called Battery Hill) overlooking Oban in Argyll, Scotland. It is built of Bonawe granite taken from the quarries across Airds Bay, on Loch Etive, from Muckairn, with a circumference of about 200 metres with two-tiers of 94 lancet arches (44 on the bottom and 50 on top). The structure was commissioned, at a cost of £5,000 sterling (£500,000 at 2006 prices using GDP deflator), by the wealthy, philanthropic banker (North of Scotland Bank), John Stuart McCaig. John Stuart McCaig was his own architect. The tower was erected between 1897 and his death, aged 78 from Angina Pectoris, on 29 June 1902 at John Square House, Oban, Argyll. McCaig's intention was to provide a lasting monument to his family, and provide work for the local stonemasons during the winter months. McCaig was an admirer of Roman and Greek architecture, and had planned for an elaborate
structure, based on the Colosseum in Rome. His plans allowed for a museum and art gallery with a central tower to be incorporated. Inside the central tower he planned to commission statues of himself, his siblings and their parents. His death brought an end to construction with only the outer walls completed.
Dunheanish Guest House
The Old Manse Guesthouse
Sand Villa
Private House Stays
I have selected the properties on Private House Stays for their individuality that results from being privately owned. They take many forms from bed and breakfasts to small hotels but in each case it is the marque of the owner that sets it apart. This may be the charm of the furnishings, the wholesome home cooking or simply the atmosphere created by a charismatic host. I have inspected most of the establishments listed here and feel sure you will enjoy staying in them too.
Remember - booking through Private House Stays is free of charge.
Archie Bouverie