North Argyll area profile
The area of North Argyll encompasses the north westerly portion of the AIE area bordering Highland Council's area in the north and Stirling Council's area to the east. North Argyll also includes the islands of Lismore, Kerrera, Luing and Easdale. The local authority for the area is Argyll and Bute Council. The total population is approximately 22,000 with the main settlement being the ferry port of Oban (approximately 8,500 people). Transport Road: The main route from Oban to Scotland's central belt is from Glasgow following the A82 and then the A85 roads. Oban is approximately 90 miles from Glasgow and is around a two hour drive. Lochgilphead, which is the administrative capital of the area, is approximately 38 miles south on the A816 and the journey time is around 60 minutes. A network of regular bus services cover Oban and the outlying area and there are excellent services to Glasgow, Fort William and Lochgilphead. Ferries: Oban is the main ferry terminal for the islands of Coll, Tiree, Colonsay, Mull, Lismore, Kerrera, Barra and South Uist. The ferry operator is Caledonian MacBrayne. In addition there is a small vehicle ferry at North Cuan on the Isle of Seil crossing to South Cuan on the Island of Luing and a passenger ferry linking Easdale Island to the Isle of Seil at Ellenabeich, both these services are operated by Argyll and Bute Council. Air: There is a small airstrip at Connel to the north of Oban but there are no public services operating to or from there at present, although plans are in hand to develop the facility for the future. Rail: Scotrail operates a daily service from Glasgow Queen Street to Oban which also services stations at Dalmally, Taynuilt and Connel. Transport links:
Education There is a secondary school at Oban offering education up to 6th year. Oban High School draws its pupils from primary schools in Oban, Connel, Benderloch, Ardchattan, North Connel, Ardchonnel, Dalmally, Appin, Duror, Dunbeg, Kilninver, Lismore, Kerrera, Easdale, Colonsay, Coll, Kilchrenan, Luing and Taynuilt. Further education is provided through the Argyll College learning centre at Dunstaffnage, north of Oban. Healthcare provision The area is served by the new acute hospital in Oban and arrangements are in place for patients to receive treatment in the Glasgow area as necessary. Health services are provided by the Argyll and Clyde Health Board. The area has seven medical practices at Oban (3), Connel, Taynuilt, Clachan Seil and Port Appin. There are two dental practices in Oban. General The main shopping centre is Oban and most villages support a local store and post office. Industries include tourism, agriculture, fishing and aquaculture. The area is a magnet for those interested in outdoor pursuits such as sailing, golf, canoeing, fishing, diving and walking. In addition there is a thriving arts scene encompassing music, drama and the visual arts. In summer there are a number of high profile events throughout the area. To obtain a flavour of life in the area please click on the community websites shown below.
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