Oban is a resort community within the Argyll and Bute council area of Scotland. Regardless of its tiny size, it is the largest community between Helensburgh and also Fort William. Throughout the traveler season, the community can play host to up to 25,000 people. Oban occupies a setting in the Firth of Lorn. The bay is a near ideal horseshoe, protected by the island of Kerrera; and also past Kerrera, the Isle of Mull. To the north is the lengthy low island of Lismore as well as the hills of Morvern as well as Ardgour. Laurinburg, North Carolina (United States) became a sister city to Oban in 1993. The initial contract was in between Scotland County, North Carolina, and also Argyll & Bute District Council. Complying with reorganisation in 1995, the arrangement was validated by Argyll & Bute Council in 1997. In 1997 Oban was also twinned with Gorey, Area Wexford, in Ireland. Additionally twinned with Sarajevo. The local culture is Gaelic. In 2011, 8.2% of the community's population over age 3 could speak Gaelic as well as 11.3% had some facility in the language. [10] Oban is considered the residence of the Royal National Mòd, because it was first held there in 1892, with ten rivals on a Saturday mid-day. The town held the centenary Mod in 1992 (the year it ended up being Royal) and also in 2003 the 100th Mod, the two events attracting countless rivals as well as site visitors (the 100th Mod was later than the centenary since it was not held in the war years). The Mod is kept in Oban approximately every 6-- 8 years, as well as has actually last been held in October 2015.