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Argyll and Bute

Hutcheson Monument

A granite obelisk of 1883 on the north of Kerrera, raised to the man who brought the steamers to the West Highlands.

Welcome

The Hutcheson Monument is a granite obelisk on the north-east of Kerrera, standing above Ardantrive Bay and looking across the mouth of Oban Bay to the town.

It was put up in 1883 in memory of David Hutcheson, a ship-owner who did more than anyone to bring regular steamers to the West Highlands and the Hebrides. His firm, David Hutcheson and Co., ran boats and steamers along the coast from the 1850s, and when he retired his partner David MacBrayne carried the business on, the forerunner of the Caledonian MacBrayne ferries that still sail past below.

The inscription says it was raised by a grateful public, and it is the only known memorial to him. The monument is reached on foot from either of the island's ferries, and the walk round the north of Kerrera gives views over the Sound to Oban, Lismore and the hills of Mull.

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Before you go

The monument is reached on foot from either Kerrera ferry.

It is open at any time.

Open
Any time; free.
Getting there
On foot from the Kerrera ferries.

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Where it is

The north-east of Kerrera, above Ardantrive Bay.

Close byOn Kerrera.
  1. The Dog StoneThe Dog StoneUnder a mile 1 min by road
  2. A shelter in the woodland garden.Dunollie Museum, Castle and GroundsThe MacDougalls' castle ruin on its cliff above Oban Bay, with a museum in the 1745 House, woodland grounds and a café.Under a mile 1 min by road
  3. Dunollie CastleDunollie CastleThe MacDougalls' ruined castle on a hillside above Oban, with views to Kerrera and the isles on a clear day, and a museum in the 1745 House.Under a mile 2 min by road
  4. Oban BayOban BayUnder a mile 1 min by road
  5. Sorcha Bakery, ObanSorcha Bakery, ObanUnder a mile 2 min by road
  6. The ferry's ramp and the island across the sound.Kerrera FerryThe little turn-up-and-go passenger ferry from Gallanach, south of Oban, across the Sound of Kerrera.3 miles 7 min by road
Directions
The Jetty Gallery, Argyll and ButeShoppingThe Jetty Gallery, Oban0.7 miles
Oban Bay and a ferry below Battleship Hill, the islands beyond.AttractionsBattleship Hill0.8 miles
Oban Whisky and Fine Wines, Argyll and ButeShoppingOban Whisky and Fine Wines0.8 miles
A large abstract painting and framed works in the white gallery.AttractionsPassing Place Gallery0.8 miles
The dark stone front of the Oban Distillery and its sign, Estd 1794.AttractionsOban Distillery0.8 miles
Hinba Coffee Roasters, ObanCafeHinba, Oban0.8 miles
RestaurantsCuan Mor, Oban0.8 miles
Piazza, Argyll and ButeRestaurantsPiazza, Oban0.9 miles
The Modern Croft, ObanShoppingThe Modern Croft, Oban0.9 miles

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Stay nearby

Places to stay near the monument, and when each is next free.

The Drury from the lawn below: a grey granite Victorian villa with sandstone bay windows, dormers in the slate roof and tall chimneys.The Drury
  • Sleeps 22
  • In Oban
  • A mile from the monument
Free 31 Oct – 2 NovGlencruitten House, Argyll and ButeGlencruitten House
  • To stay
  • In Oban
  • 2 miles from the monument
Check datesTimber cabin with copper roof beside a loch, shaded by oak treesUisge Bothy
  • Sleeps 2
  • In Oban
  • 5 miles from the monument
Check datesBlack timber-clad cabin with corrugated roof and stove flue, set among trees and long grassBeatha
  • Sleeps 2
  • In Oban
  • 5 miles from the monument
Check datesPlaces to stayEvery stay in Argyll and ButeAll our places to stay nearby, to search by date and by who is coming.See them all
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