McCaig's Tower, Roman-inspired folly in Oban, Scotland
Description
McCaig's Tower is a granite folly on Battery Hill in Oban, Scotland, overlooking the bay and surrounding islands. The construction displays two rows of 94 pointed arch openings and measures 200 meters around.
History
John Stuart McCaig commissioned the construction in 1897 as a job creation scheme for local stonemasons and to create a family memorial. Building stopped abruptly after his death in 1902, leaving the original project incomplete.
Culture
Local residents often call this place "McCaigs Folly" and see it as a tangible symbol of one banker's ambition and social responsibility during the Victorian era. Walkers frequently use the paved paths inside as a viewpoint when strolling across the hill.
Practical
The climb leads either via Jacob's Ladder, a stone staircase with 144 steps from the town center, or up a narrow road with limited parking at the top. Access is free all year during daylight, and the paths suit all visitors with average fitness.
Did you know?
The interior space is now a public garden with lawns and flowerbeds, though a far more elaborate museum and art gallery were originally planned. Weddings occasionally take place here, as the arches form a natural frame for outdoor ceremonies.
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