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Oban is the west-highland representative in Diageo's
Classic Malts portfolio. At all the distilleries you can join a tour through
the distillery. Usually the visitor area's are very well presented, and
so is the waiting area at Oban. Several displays will keep you busy until
the next tour starts.
It is wise to try and get there early. The distillery is right in the
middle of Oban's city center and the tours can be quite busy, especially
during the high-season. Parts of the distillery, like the stillroom, are
a bit cramped so this is highly advisable. Also keep in mind that during
this period you might have to book in advance to ensure your able to go
on a tour at all!
The tour itself is of a good solid quality. The guide seems to know what
he is talking about, and there is plenty of time to ask any questions
too. Too bad photography is not allowed 'due to safety regulations', but
on multiple occasions I heard it has more to do with photographing people
holding the group up to much.
 Some
tips for other activities in Oban: a walk to Dunollie Castle. Although
now not much more then a ruin you have a nice view over the bay where
Oban lies. It is build in the 13th century by the MacDougalls of Lorn
and has been sieged for a year during the 1715 Jacobite rebellion, which
turned out OK for the MacDougalls. From Oban you can also make several
day trips to islands such as Isle of Mull, Iona, and smaller island such
as Staffa. Once a week the ferry leaves to Islay from Oban, and before
it lands in Port Askaig you will pass Bunnahabhain and Caol Ila.
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