The History Of Oban
1794
A year after forming their brewing company, Hugh and John Stevenson, local merchants and entrepreneurs, begin distilling at Oban.
1813
A son, Thomas Stevenson, returns from Buenos Aires to begin his association with the distillery.
1820
Thomas’ father Hugh dies a year after being elected the second Provost of Oban.
1821
Thomas buys up the remaining shares in the Oban Brewery Company.
1830
After years of poor financial decisions made by his father, Hugh’s Grandson John Stevenson buys the distillery
1866
Death in the family prompts the sale of the distillery to local merchant Peter Cumstie.
1880
The railway arrives in Oban, bringing more commerce and tourism to a town which has largely grown up around the distillery
1883
J. Walter Higgin buys Oban, and production continues. In an early advert he declares it “The Finest Sma’ Still Whisky in the Highlands.”
1890
Fire breaks out in a number of buildings in the distillery, slowing production.
1890
Higgin sets about rebuilding the distillery to his own standards. The builders uncover a long-sealed cave while making alterations, discovering Mesolithic remains behind the distillery.
1898
Higgin sells Oban at the height of the whisky boom to a consortium.
1900
Despite the crash that followed the boom, Oban’s production continues.
1930
Scottish Malt Distillers buy Oban.
1960
The stills are converted to mechanical stoking.
1968
The distillery’s position at the centre of town looks like it might hamper expansion, and Oban is slated for closure.
1972
A new stillhouse is built, saving the distillery from closure.
