This view of Oban shows the curve of the esplanade that surrounds the horseshoe-shape of the harbour. By 1893 when Guthrie painted this, Oban was a bustling town. The railways helped the town to benefit from tourism, and its location on the west coast meant that its harbour not only served as the gateway to the Isles, but also became thriving industrial port. Goods were shipped between Oban and the big southern cities of Glasgow and Liverpool. In this nocturnal scene, Guthrie has avoided detail in favour of atmospheric effect.