This postcard specially provides opportunity to gain knowledge about the city of Oban, Scotland, as well as the MacLean Clan and why they are significant to the Scottish culture and Oban specifically.  Oban is a popular destination for tourists, this is because of its rich history and authentic Scottish culture. In this picture, one noticeable feature included is the large building overlooking the street. This building is called McCaig’s tower, Presiding on Battery hill John Stuart McCaig an architect wanted a lasting monument for his family. Also with the creation of this monument water to provide all the stonemasons in the town of Oban work. Today McCaig’s tower is a public garden used by tourists mostly to view the islands of Kerrera, Lismore, and Mull. 

Along with learning about the city of Oban, this  postcard can also give us insight to the MacLean Clan. The name McLean means “the children or family of the servant of John” (MaClean,14) The McLean family of Duart called home on the island of Mull, where they originated from (MacLean, 26), and lead the most powerful branch of the Gillean clan (Bristol) Their road to power began in 852, with the founder of the clan Gillean of the Battle Axe. The MaClean clan was also usually involved in battles with numerous clans including the MacDonalds, Campbells, and most notably Mackinnons. 

This postcard is an example of how postcards were used to document historical and significant places in Scotland. Oban is an historical town that has several ties to major wars. For example in World War II Oban was deemed suitable for flying boat operations. Also the buildings you see in the postcard lining the ocean were often used as barracks for the aircrew. Not only was Oban home to soldiers, it was the place the MacLean Clan grew to power. This postcard is also an example of what ephemera is, and how it is used in present day. Ephemera is something that is made to be discarded, and exist to be used for a short time. When it was first published, it most likely had a specific reason to be made. Either to grow tourism in Scotland or tell a story of the MacLean Clan. 

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