Scotland's Colosseum

[McDink]

NOTHING dominates the skyline of Oban more than the imposing structure of McCaig's Folly. But what exactly was it meant to be and what purpose was it meant to serve? Why was it never finished? What was it meant to end up looking like?

[sftr]

The Gazetteer for Scotland describes why the tower was built and the reason it was never finished!

[McDink]

AH, SO it was the unfinished product of a victorian YTS scheme.

[sftr]

Thats one way of putting it! Its certainly one of the most impressive follies around Scotland and the view over Oban Bay is worth the climb!

[Lianachan]

From RCAHMS:

Monumental ring of Bonawe granite dominating the town, located at Duncraggan Road, Battery Hill. John Stuart McCaig (died 1902): banker and self-styled art critic and philosophical essayist. Building begun 1895. Left unfinished 1900. Two tiers of 94 pointed arches. Originally intended to feature 100-foot tower and statues of McCaig's family.