The site where Oban now stands has been
used by humans since at least mesolithic times, as evidenced by archaeological
remains of cave dwellers found in the town. Just outside the town stands
Dunollie Castle, on a site that overlooks the main entrance to the bay and has
been fortified since the Bronze age. Prior to the 19th century, the town itself
supported very few households, sustaining only minor fishing, trading,
shipbuilding and quarrying industries, and a few hardy tourists. The Renfrew
trading company established a storehouse there in about 1714 as a local outlet
for its merchandise, but
