Corran Halls

The Corran Halls sits right on Oban's waterfront, a striking modern venue that punches well above what you'd expect from a town this size. It's the sort of place that hosts everything from touring theatre productions and ballet to comedy nights and local orchestral performances - the kind of programme that keeps things genuinely unpredictable.

What makes it work is the setting itself. You're looking out across the bay while queuing for your interval drink, which alone makes a night here feel a bit special. The main auditorium is properly equipped, not some cramped village hall affair, and the acoustics are decent enough that you're not straining to hear what's happening on stage.

It's really a draw for anyone staying at the holiday parks scattered around Oban - Tanunda Pods and Oban Holiday Park are barely ten minutes away. If you're based at somewhere like Loch View Luxury Pod or further out at North Ledaig, it's still worth the short drive on an evening. Families with older kids will find good stuff here during school holidays; theatre companies often bring kid-friendly productions through.

The programme changes constantly, so check what's on before you book your park. Some nights you might catch something genuinely excellent, other times it'll be touring productions that are fine but forgettable. That's the nature of mid-sized venues. Allow a couple of hours including the bar, and arrive early if parking matters to you.