THERE was a lot of comment and widespread engagement on social media following the major fire and explosions at a the council depot at Millpark,Oban, on Friday morning. Karma MacLean wrote: ‘Never in my life have I felt my whole house shake like that!! Just glad no1 was hurt!’ Rachel Wilson praised: ‘Respect to the brave men and women of the emergency services. Hope everyone is ok.’ Fiona MacPhee added: ‘Pretty sure it’s the Council Yard started about 1.40am with a huge explosion that woke us up! The Flames and smoke we are watching are that direction anyway. Hope all are safe including the Fire Service and other emergency services attending, they could be in for a long night! Good to hear there are no reported casualties.’ Kathleen Murgatroyd posted: ‘So glad no one was hurt. Now we have to sympathise with those who would have been going to work there this morning. Devastating.’ Sheila Kerr off ered: ‘OMG that’s awful hope everyone safe.’ Gillian Bisp said: ‘Got woken up 1.30 with an exploding canister!!!’ Louise Macleod wrote: ‘I can see from the house my poor wee office is gone just glad no one would have been there.’
NEWS that Oban’s new Premier Inn is due to open in 2018 was welcomed. Frances Thom cheered: ‘Just back from a stay in a Premier Inn in Manchester. Such good service and unbelievably comfy beds! Should be a great asset to Oban I think.’ Raema Stevenson wrote: ‘Great news.. and in a fantastic location.’ Dawn MacFadyen said: ‘Finally might be able to afford a holiday in Oban.’