St Columba's Cathedral

St Columba’s Cathedral stands on Oban’s northern sea front, its pink and blue granite walls rising above the harbour. The building belongs to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Argyll and the Isles and serves as the bishop’s seat. Sir Giles Gilbert Scott designed it in the Neo-Gothic manner, completing the work in the mid-20th century. Scottish and overseas congregations helped pay for the construction through collections in the USA, Canada and Ireland. The cathedral replaced an earlier medieval cathedral on Lismore dedicated to St Moluag, now a Church of Scotland kirk. The cathedral’s Category A listing recognises its architectural importance and the quality of its stonework. Pink Peterhead and blue Inverawe granite form the walls, giving the interior a warm glow. Large windows allow light to flood the nave, while the west front displays a carved figure of St Columba above the main door. Inside, the high altar and side chapels follow the Gothic tradition with pointed arches and ribbed vaults. Visitors enter through the west door and find a spacious nave leading to the sanctuary. The aisles contain confessionals and side altars dedicated to local saints. Stained glass windows depict scenes from the life of Christ and episodes from Scottish Catholic history. Outside, the cathedral overlooks the busy waterfront, with views across the bay to the islands beyond.