A picturesque coastal town has been named Scotland’s ‘Town of the Year’ for 2024.
On Friday, the Scotland Loves Local Awards unveiled the winner of the prestigious annual title. Organised by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP), the awards celebrate the country’s top towns and neighbourhoods.
This year, Scotland’s Town of the Year is Oban in Argyll. The scenic resort town took home the title after judges heard how townsfolk have banded together to “reinvent” the local community.
The accolade follows a major year for Oban, in which it has shone in the global spotlight. The town delivered a multi-million pound economic boost as a port in the famous Clipper Round The World Yacht Race alongside Washington DC and Cape Town.
This year, Oban also hosted Scotland’s legendary Royal National Mod. The festival, which is a celebration of Gaelic culture, attracted more than 10,000 visitors.
STV weather presenter Sean Batty, who is an ambassador for Scotland Loves Local, presented the Town of the Year award to community champions in Oban. He commented: “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.”
The winner was decided by a panel of independent judges brought together by STP. They had the tough task of choosing just one Town of the Year.
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.”
Oban’s Business Improvement District, BID4Oban, has been credited with much of the transformation that the town has seen in recent years. The business-to-business service has been praised for forging new links with businesses, organisations, and people since its launch in 2012.
Among the work that has been singled out is the town’s festive lights and hanging baskets. BID4Oban has also been praised for sponsoring Oban Pride Weekend and attracting small cruise ships to visit.
Other recent work has included the revamp of the busy Gibraltar Street thoroughfare. Continual efforts to champion the town’s independent businesses to locals and visitors alike were also noted.
BID4Oban’s Chief Executive Andrew Spence stated: “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.”
Meanwhile, Leader of Argyll and Bute Council Jim Lynch commented: “I am delighted that Oban has been crowned Scotland’s Town of the Year. I am lucky enough to call this beautiful town my home and I could not be more proud to live in such a wonderful place.
“The council has invested millions of pounds to improve Oban town centre over the last few years, and we have invested more than £1.5 million on the North Pier Pontoons. We’re delighted to have also been a partner in delivering the highly-successful Clipper Round the World Race and the Royal National Mod.
“These events not only helped attract more visitors, providing substantial economic benefits to the area, but they also helped showcase the town’s unique community spirit and hospitality. The Clipper Round the World Race in particular allowed us to highlight the amazing marine tourism opportunities we have here in Argyll and Bute and, due to its success, we look forward to making a bid for the event to return to the town in 2026.”
Other finalists in the Scotland Loves Local Awards Town of the Year category were Broughty Ferry in Dundee, Darvel in East Ayrshire, East Kilbride in South Lanarkshire, and Inverurie in Aberdeenshire. More information can be found on the Scotland Loves Local website.
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