a parliamentary burgh and seaport of Scotland, Argyllshire, 20 miles N.W. of Inverary, and 6½ N.W. of Glasgow. It is built in the form of a crescent, round the shore of a bay of the same name, and has an extensive coasting trade with the Clyde, as it is the chief seaport and market-town for a large extent of country. It contains places of worship belonging to the Established, the Free, the United Presbyterian, the Scottish Episcopal, and the Independent churches; several schools, a library, reading-room, savings-bank, and custom-house. The harbour is deep and safe, being sheltered by the island of Kerrera; and the inhabitants are extensively engaged in fishing. Steamers ply regularly between this town and Glasgow; and during the summer it is a great resort for tourists, who make this their starting-place for the various parts of the Western Highlands. The Bay of Oban is surrounded by steep cliffs, on which stand the ruins of Dunolly Castle; while about three miles to the north of the town are the remains of that of Dunstaffnage. Oban unites with Ayr and other burghs in returning a member to Parliament. Pop. (1851) 1742.