It was a bumper weekend in Oban when not one, but two cruise ships arrived in the town, bringing a boost to local shops and tourist attractions.
First up was MV le Soleal on Saturday afternoon. Sailing under a French flag, the luxury liner can carry 264 passengers in 132 cabins and staterooms. The 466ft ship has four decks, with 139 crew.
Bahamas-registered Star Pride arrived first thing yesterday morning and anchored outside the bay, behind the isle of Kerrera.
Capable of carrying 212 guests and 151 staff in 100 suites, the ship is 438ft long.
Some of the passengers enjoyed a walking tour around the town and a visit to Oban Distillery while some had a half day tour to Kilmartin, leaving them free to explore Oban for the rest of the day.
The tourists boosted the visitor numbers to Lorne Highland Games, taking place at Mossfield yesterday and the local producers market in Station Square on Saturday.
Elaine Robertson, chairwoman of the Welcome to the Port of Oban Group and lead councillor for Oban Lorn and the Isles, said: “We go down and greet the passengers as they come off and give them brochures and a map of Oban, so that they know what they can see and do.
“Some go off on bus trips, but the buses are only doing half days, which is great, because it gives people time to spend in Oban, enjoying what we have to offer and sampling the goods in the town.
“The weather probably detracted slightly from the weekend as there were a few showers. People wouldn’t have loitered the way they would have done if it was a beautiful sunny day.
“Quite a number went up to the Lorne Highland Games, which was extremely well patronised as a result. The local market on Saturday was also popular.
“To have two cruise ships in one weekend was really a boost for the town. We are trying to encourage the ships to come here.
“Once the new transit berthing facility and maritime centre are complete, it will be so much better.
“I am looking forward to seeing Oban flourishing. The town is looking good.”
Argyll and Bute Council is currently building a £3million transit berthing and step ashore facility at the North Pier.
There will also be a £3million welcome centre for maritime visitors at the site of the former White Building.
