A pretty coastal town with its very own version of the Roman Colosseum

The town of Oban in Scotland is where you can find this unique structure.

The coastal region is renowned as a fascinating part of Argyll & the Isles with plenty to see and do.

Oban is often referred to as being the “Gateway to the Hebrides” and is known for its spectacuar lansdscapes and stunning lakes.

Known as McCaig’s Tower or McCaig’s Folly, this prominent structure sits perched atop Battery Hill that overlooks the town of Oban and has been a distinctive feature of the Argyll and Bute town since 1897.

The brainchild of a wealthy banker known as John Stuart McCaig, the tower was built from Bonawe granite, taken from the quarries across Airds Bay, on Loch Etive, from Muckairn.

McCaig’s Tower has a circumference of about 200 metres with two-tiers of 94 lancet arches and was intentionally designed to resemble the Colosseum in Rome.

McCaig envisioned the tower to include an art gallery, museum and statues of himself and his family.

The tower also aimed to help to provide work for local stonemasons.

However McCaig’s vision for the structure was not fully realised due to his death in 1902 from a cardiac arrest.

The tower’s construction was brought to a complete halt.

Today, the vast tower is a Grade B Listed historic monument and has become a popular tourist attraction in the Scottish town.

It’s a must-see if visiting Oban which is surrounded by a stunning garden with a platform offering vast views of the pretty Oban Bay and the surrounding islands of Lismore, Kerrera, Mull and the Firth of Lorn.

The McCaigs Tower is reached by climbing 144 steps of Jacob’s Ladder or you can drive to the small car park located nearby.

One review of the tower on TripAdvisor wrote: “Decided to make a visit to see the round tower and was not disappointed. 

“Over 100 steps to climb but we took our time and the steps were wide so it was fine for passing. Also there was benches for a breather on the way up, the view at the top was breathtaking.”

Another added: “Absolutely loved McCaig’s Tower. We walked up at sunset and the views were spectacular! Really liked the beauty of the structure itself, and it looked amazing lit up with the purple lights.”