Oban will mark the centenary of one of Scotland’s most treasured excursion steamers later this month when King George V Centenary Day brings maritime displays, talks and memorabilia to Corran Halls on Sunday 20 September.
Local celebration of a west-coast icon
The event will run from 11:00 until 16:00 and aims to attract maritime enthusiasts, those with family memories of the vessel and local history groups. The turbine steamer King George V – widely known by the initials KGV – was launched on 29 April 1926 and became synonymous with summer excursions from Oban to destinations such as Mull, Iona, Staffa and Fort William.
Initially serving Inveraray, the KGV was based regularly in Oban from 1935 and remained a familiar sight on the west coast until her withdrawal from service in 1974. This centenary is the focal point for a programme that seeks to recall the role the vessel played in the social life and tourism offer of Oban and the Inner Hebrides.
What visitors can expect
- Historic ship models and maritime displays, including scale models linked to west-coast steam travel.
- History talks by local speakers exploring the KGV’s service and its place in Oban’s maritime story.
- Retail stalls and memorabilia celebrating Scotland’s maritime heritage and the Golden Age of steam excursions.
The return of the Paddle Steamer Waverley to Oban earlier this year revived memories of the KGV era: the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer recreated some of the iconic sailings by offering cruises to Mull, Staffa, Iona and Fort William during her May programme.
"King George V holds a very special place in the maritime history of Oban and the west coast. For many people, memories of the KGV are intertwined with family holidays, summer days and excursions to some of Scotland’s west coast islands."
The quotation comes from one of the event organisers, underlining the personal and communal affection for the vessel. Organisers say the centenary day is intended to be both celebratory and informative, drawing together collectors, historians and residents who retain vivid memories of summer sailings and day trips aboard the KGV.
Practical details
The following summary sets out the main practical facts for those planning to attend:
| Event | King George V Centenary Day |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday 20 September |
| Time | 11:00–16:00 |
| Venue | Corran Halls, Oban |
Those interested in models, photographs and oral histories will find a concentration of material at the halls, while collectors and local traders will offer memorabilia for sale. The organisers hope the event will also encourage younger residents to learn more about the town’s maritime past and the development of coastal tourism on the west coast.
For Oban, the centenary is more than a historical footnote. The story of the KGV is woven into the town’s identity as a gateway to the Inner Hebrides: the steamer helped shape itineraries, supported local businesses and formed a rhythm of summer trade that remains recognisable in contemporary tourism patterns.
As well as celebrating a single vessel, the day provides a moment to reflect on continuity in Oban’s marine links and to consider how heritage events can contribute to the town’s cultural calendar. With the recent visit of Waverley reminding locals and visitors of the spectacle and romance of steam travel, the KGV centenary arrives at a moment of renewed interest in maritime history on the west coast.
The organisers have not announced a formal ticketing structure in the publicity released so far; residents and visitors are advised to check local noticeboards and the Corran Halls information channels for any updates ahead of the event.
Further information will be available from community groups involved in the centenary and through the venues hosting the talks and displays on the day.
