John Stuart McCaig

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John Stuart McCaig (1823–1902) was a Scottish architect, banker and philanthropist. Born at Clachan on the Isle of Lismore in Argyll, he is best known for commissioning and designing McCaig’s Tower in Oban, a striking monument that overlooks the town. He lived and worked in Oban, serving as Gas Works Director and owning the town’s pier.

In 1885 he campaigned in Argyllshire as a Liberal. Speaking in Tarbert and Oban, he called for wide-ranging reforms to boost the economy and help ordinary people. He supported land reform to end primogeniture and entail, make land sales easier, and ensure fair rents for smallholders. He backed a Land Purchase Bill to help tenants become landowners, and he favored elected county boards to improve harbours and sanitation. He proposed a free breakfast for the poor and free education funded by higher taxes. He also spoke on fishing policy and, controversially, said he would sweep out convents while opposing disestablishment of the Church of Scotland. He spoke partly in Gaelic and partly in English, and his messages were well received.

McCaig died in Oban at age 78 from angina pectoris. His legacy lives on in McCaig’s Tower and in his contributions to Oban and Scottish architecture.