Overview of McCaig's Tower

A prominent folly on the hillside overlooking Oban, McCaig's Tower is a notable landmark which was commissioned by John Stuart McCaig (1824 - 1902), a local banker. Built in the style of the Roman Colosseum, the folly acts as a memorial to McCaig himself and his family.

McCaig promoted the project to employ local stone-masons who were without work during the winter months. It was therefore during these months only when construction was undertaken between 1895 and 1902. McCaig had planned a more elaborate structure, containing a museum and art gallery, but his death brought an end to the money and the construction stopped with only the outer walls completed.