WORLD HEALTH DAY Family Event AT OBAN COMMUNITY FIRE STATION SATURDAY 18 APRIL, 12PM - 4PM • Food Vans FROM 12PV • → Fun Activities • Meet Local Groups and Organisations 2PM Talks and Q&A About Healthcare in our Community 3PM 1 Firefighter Demonstrations FREE blood type test kits* available to take home! HOSTED BY THE ARGYLL & BUTE RURAL YOUTH ACTION TEAM

Come see us at this fantastic event at Oban Community Fire Station tomorrow! (Saturday 18th April)

Say 'hello', find out about what we do, our plans, and volunteering opportunities.

💆 We'll be offering free, 5-minute taster treatments of Indian head massage – first come, first served!

a graphic with a photo of Alfredo, a white man with tousled dark hair and a short beard wearing a blue hoodie and a black jacket, with a castle and a a twilight sky behind him. The text reads "Dr Alfredo Carpineti (he/him) is the founder of Pride in STEM, a charity which supports and promotes LGBTQIA+ people in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics)."

A graphic with the text "Alfredo is an astrophysicist, science communicator and social activist. Born near Rome, he moved to London for his MSc and PhD, where he lives with his husband and their corgi. It was in London too that his passion for astrophysics began, as a child on holiday: reading about a hypothesis that a supernova killed the dinosaurs led to a book about space, a telescope, and ultimately, his own book. Invisible Rainbows, his first book, explores the universe beyond the light that we can see -- in infrared, ultraviolet, X-ray and the whole spectrum."

History doesn't stop at the end of the month, so we're not going to either.

Dr Alfredo Carpineti (he/him; @drcarpineti.bsky.social) is the founder of Pride in STEM (@prideinstem.bsky.social), a charity which supports and promotes LGBTQIA+ people in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

A graphic with a photograph of Kevin, a man in his 40s with glasses, and a short beard. In the background of the photo is a blackboard covered in graphs of trigonemtric equations, while a student can be seen from behind pointing at the graphs. Accompanying it is the text "Our Chair, Kevin (he/him), has a BA and MEng in Engineering, specialising in thermodynamics and fluid mechanics, from the University of Cambridge."

Text reading “He first studied mathematics before changing to engineering, and this background in science opened many doors, some surprising - becoming a teacher on the other side of the world, translating scientific equipment training for university researchers, and consulting on management for an international wind power joint venture - before leading to the career in management he'd been trying to avoid by doing all those things. He still loves fluid dynamics and will point out vortex shedding from bridge supports to you as you cross a river, whether you're interested or not.”

More from the committee! This time, our Chair

A graphic including text and a photograph of Ed, captioned "Ed at his bachelor's degree graduation in 1999, looking joyful because little did he know what was to come from working in healthcare…" It is a washed out photograph with a person with a large, shiny forehead, short, black hair with sideburns, large, rounded, metal-rimmed glasses, large, teethy smile and clean shaven. The person is wearing a suit with a white shirt and blue tie, with a black graduation gown, with a two-tone green graduation hood.

The graphics text reads “Ed (he/him) is one of our Trustees, and with 'Sum' as his surname, it is very apt that he is our Treasurer! He is more of an 'applied' science person, with a Bachelor of Health Science (BHSc (Hons)) in Occupational Therapy and a Master of Science (MSc) in Ergonomics and Organisational behaviour. He has been involved with several research studies, and he even has his name on a paper: 'Occupational therapy consensus recommendations for Functional Neurological Disorder'. He has delivered lectures to occupational therapy and physiotherapy students and supported other occupational therapists with their training and development, particularly in the field of neurological rehabilitation.“

Something a little different this year!

As the theme is ‘science and innovation’ we thought we would highlight a few people linked with Oban Pride and relating to the theme.

Starting with Ed (he/him), our very appropriately named Treasurer!

A graphic with a white background and geometric shapes with a rainbow pattern. Text reads “Drop-in sessions • Feeling alone? • Want to talk about something? • Interested in helping out? • Just fancy a chat? Pop by our office! • First Monday of the Month • 6:30pm to 8:00pm • contact us for details OBAN PRIDE Registered Charity SC049763”

Our first drop-in session of 2026 will be tomorrow (Monday Feb 2nd) at 6:30-8:00

Pop-in anytime to say hello for a chat about anything!

📍DM us for the address if you'd like to come

A graphic with a pink triangle, point down, and the text: "In Nazi concentration camps, prisoners wore cloth triangles to identify why they had been imprisoned. Gay men and transgender women were required to wear pink triangles. On International Holocaust Remembrance Day we remember all those who were murdered by intolerance and hate; the lives, loves, voices, and families who were lost, and the countless numbers of others affected by it."

🕯️

Whitney standing behind his stall at Oban Pride, with two promotional screenshots from the Great Pottery Throw Down featuring him, and a screenshot from our announcement that he would be attending Oban Pride

We are thrilled and so proud that one of our #ObanPride2025 Stallholders – the amazingly talented Whitney – is on The Great Pottery Throwdown 2026!

Massive congratulations, Whitney, and best of luck from Oban Pride! ❤️

You can find him on Instagram www.instagram.com/macchoi_pott...

#ObanPride

A graphic of a red ribbon superimposed on a map of the word. In the corner is the Oban Pride logo: a stylised McCaig's Tower under a rainbow, with the text "Oban Pride. Registered charity: SC049763 The text reads “World AIDS Day Candlelight Vigil Join us as we remember all those affected by HIV & AIDS and those we have lost 1st December 5:30 pm - 6:00 pm, McCaig Suite, Corran Halls"

Join us in a Candlelight Vigil to remember all those affected by HIV and AIDS

5:30 pm – 6:00 pm, 1st December, in the McCaig Suite, Corran Halls

#WorldAidsDay #ObanPride

A graphic of a red ribbon superimposed on a map of the word. In the corner is the Oban Pride logo: a stylised McCaig's Tower under a rainbow, with the text "Oban Pride. Registered charity: SC049763 The text reads “World AIDS Day Candlelight Vigil Join us as we remember all those affected by HIV & AIDS and those we have lost 1st December 5:30 pm - 6:00 pm, McCaig Suite, Corran Halls"

Join us in a Candlelight Vigil to remember all those affected by HIV and AIDS

5:30 pm – 6:00 pm, 1st December, in the McCaig Suite, Corran Halls

#WorldAidsDay #ObanPride

A single candle with the text "Trans Day of Remembrance". The background is a soft focus swirl in the colours of the trans pride flag.

Today we remember our trans siblings who are no longer with us due to transphobia and violence. We honour their memory and remind ourselves to care for the living.

#TransDayOfRemembrance #TDOR #TransRightsAreHumanRights

A graphic with the text "Save the date 21st - 22nd August 2026". The background is a photograph from our march through Oban with rainbows overlaid. In the corner is our logo; a stylised McCaig's Tower under a rainbow, with the text "Oban Pride. Registered charity: SC049763"

Remember, remember the... 21st & 22nd August 2026! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

We're excited to announce the dates for Oban Pride 2026! 🎉

Put it in your calendar and keep it clear now, whether you want to join the march, enjoy the events and stalls, or have a stall yourself!

(Please share 🙏)

#ObanPride #ObanPride2026

🏳️‍⚧️ Survey on trans healthcare experiences in Argyll & Bute and Highland.

Please take part and/or share 🙏

A graphic with the text “we’d love to hear your feedback” and a cartoon man with an Oban Pride clipboard. The background is a photo of one of our marches

📝 Please take a moment to fill in our anonymous survey about Oban Pride 2025 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

forms.gle/HF5T5th6HEgF...

Even if you don't think you have anything particular to say, your response will still be useful. It helps with funding applications and planning — and both make future events better! 🎉

House Party Glasgow’s Instagram page, with the bio “discover brands from minority groups around the world”

A huge thank you to the wonderful people at House Party Glasgow for agreeing to judge for us ❤️ Check out their fantastic store on instagram www.instagram.com/houseparty.g...

The original graphic announcing the competition with the word "winner" splashed across it in large letters

A photo of a lady sitting on a bench in front of the harbour in Oban, with a huge happy smile on her face, holding up a big rainbow umbrella against the grey sky

📣 We are delighted to announce the winning entry: (www.instagram.com/p/DN_lYbTjFW...) 🎉🎉

Our judges looked for "the photo that best captures pride - the spark and feeling of the day". I think you'll agree, pure joy under a rainbow holding the greyness back does exactly that ❤️

These are wonderful pics! 😻 Thank you. Glad you enjoyed the day and thank you for coming to support ❤️

BEST PHOTO COMPETITION TAG YOUR PHOTOS #OP25BESTPHOTO ON FREE TO INSTAGRAM, FACEBOOK OR ENTER: BLUESKY HOW TO PLAY • Post your photos from Oban Pride 2025 on Instagram, Facebook, or Bluesky by Wednesday 3' September • Tag your photo: #OP25BestPhoto and @obanpride • We'll choose the photo that best captures pride - the spark and feeling of the day • The winner will be announced and contacted via social media on Saturday 6th Prize: One of our adorable Oban Pride Beary Maniloban bears

Tag your photos with #OP25BestPhoto and obanpride.bsky.social for a chance to win one of our Beary Maniloban bears

#ObanPride #ObanPride2025

A graphic with the text "Stalls showcase! Seamus Sews Seamus Sews makes and sells a variety of fabulous sewn goods! With a range including clothing, accessories, tote bags, makeup bags and more, they also take commissions. Public & Commercial Services Union PCS is a Trade Union for employees of the Scottish Government. We are a pro equality trade union and are committed to challenging all forms of discrimination and exclusion. Samaritans Scotland Samaritans Scotland provides a vital lifeline for people and communities across the country. Their vision is for a Scotland where fewer lives are lost to suicide and where everyone can get the right help and support when they need it most. -and many more! We have over 40 fantastic stalls of all kinds for you to check out this weekend - arts, crafts, charities, services - many run by members of the LGBTQ+ community. There is something for everyone so don't miss out!"

The final round of stalls you can see tomorrow at #ObanPride2025 Don't forget these are just a taster! We have many more 🎉

Seamus Sews @SeamusSews (IG & Facebook)

PCS: www.pcs.org.uk

Samaritans Scotland: @samaritansscotland (IG & Facebook), www.samaritans.org/scotland/sam...

#ObanPride

Reminder of what’s in store on Saturday! See you there!

#ObanPride2025 #ObanPride

"STALL BINGO FIND THE STALLS WITH STAMPS & FILL YOUR CARD FOR A CHANCE TO WIN PRIZES! FREE TO ENTER! HOW TO PLAY • Collect a Bingo Card from the Oban Pride stall • Follow the clues and find the stalls with stamps • Get them to stamp your card (only once - each stamp is different!) • Take your completed card to the Oban Pride stall and we'll enter you in the prize draw - you can keep your card as a souvenir You could win: • A4 Art Print • Collection of cute stamps!"

Enter our Stalls Bingo for free at the Community Stalls Village at #ObanPride2025

Follow the clues, get your card stamped by the stalls, and enter the draw for a chance to win! 🏆

#ObanPride

A graphic with the text "Stalls showcase! Spotlight Musical Theatre Group Spotlight Musical Theatre Group (SCIO) is an amateur theatre group based in Oban for musical theatre enthusiasts aged 16+. They perform big musicals, pantomimes and concerts. Highlands and Islands Students' Association The students' association for UHI, including UHI Oban and SAMS (which constitute a significant number of the young adults in and around Oban), will be there with information about them, their events, and their LGBTQ+ Network for students. Lex's Resin Crafts Come check out their wide and varied range of decorations and ornaments - animals, octopus, specialist dice - and even ears! - all handmade in resin. Humanist Society Scotland HSS works to campaign for issues in Scotland and abroad. It helps to make Scotland a more secular, rational, and socially just country, and to ensure everyone in Scotland has access to humanist ceremonies to mark important life events."

📣 Even more of the fantastic stalls we have in store for you at #ObanPride2025 🎉

Spotlight MTG @spotlightmtg (IG, FB, TikTok), spotlightmtg.co.uk

HISA: @teamhisa (IG & FB), his.uhi.ac.uk

Lex's Resin Crafts (FB),

@humanistsociety.bsky.social Argyll Humanists (FB), www.humanism.scot

#ObanPride

Our last, but definitely not least, your amazing host, the beautifully bodacious, Dr Bev. Yes there will be a doctor in the house!!

We are absolutely thrilled that the amazing Dr Bev @rjk1701.bsky.social will be back to host #ObanPride2025

Dr Bev has performed at prides across Europe, is a patron of Pride Cymru, and an ambassador for Llamau.

Don't miss them during the day and at the Rainbow Ball in the evening!
#ObanPride

We’re excited for our trip to Oban ❤️

A graphic with the text "Stalls showcase! MacChoi Pottery Beautiful, unique ceramic pieces, handmade in Glasgow with love and care. Each one is sanded and polished - be sure to feel the smooth bottoms! Glasgow Adult ADHD Peer Socialising GAAPS helps adults with ADHD by providing socialising opportunities and peer-based support, and providing a platform for them to connect with and support each other. Moonglade Shore Hand poured candles, diffusers, jewellery and a wide range of personalised gifts that convey love and uniqueness, all made by the shores of Loch Linnhe Argyll and Bute Rape Crisis A charity providing support and advocacy services in person, over the phone and by text for anyone who has experienced rape or sexual assault. ABRC have offices on Oban High Street and across Argyll."

📣 Some more of the fantastic stalls we have in store for you at #ObanPride2025

MacChoi Pottery (IG), macchoipottery.co.uk

GAAPS @gaapsglasgow.bsky.social, (IG, FB), www.linktr.ee/gaaps

Moonglade Shore (IG, FB), www.moongladeshore.co.uk

Argyll and Bute Rape Crisis (FB), ab-rc.org.uk

#ObanPride

Check them out:

Celebrate with Pride @celebratewithpride (IG)

TransActual @transactualuk.bsky.social @transactualuk (IG & FB), transactual.org.uk

RookHart Games @Rookhartgames (FB), bit.ly/RookHartGames

North Argyll Carers Centre @northargyllcarers (FB), www.northargyllcarers.org.uk

#ObanPride

A graphic with the text "Stalls showcase! Celebrate With Pride A small pride shop with a fantastic range of flags, badges and more, their aim is to increase queer visibility in the community. Don't miss their fabulous stuff! TransActual A national trans advocacy, education and empowerment organisation, they'll be there to share resources for trans people and allies but also to hear from trans people: what are the issues impacting them and what can TransActual and others be doing? RookHart Games A community group that encourages social interaction and nurtures mental wellbeing through board games, they give people a safe place to be themselves, explore their creativity and increase skills while having fun with games from all eras. North Argyll Carers Centre A local charity, supporting unpaid carers across the Oban, Lorn and Isles area, ensuring they get all the information, help and support they need to help them carry out their vital role."

📣 The first of our series of posts showcasing some of the amazing stalls we have in store for you at #ObanPride2025. Just a taste of the range we have to start with...

Links in the next post ⬇️

An image some of the Spotlight Team and the text “Next up to be joining us on stage at the Rainbow Ball We would like to introduce you to the uber talented Spotlight Musical Theatre Group #ObanPride2025 Registered charity: SCO49763”

Next at the Rainbow Ball at #ObanPride2025: Spotlight 💃🏼

#ObanPride

A graphic with the text "Community Stalls Showcase. Watch this space for details of some of the businesses, charities and groups who'll be at our Community Stalls Village!" The back ground is a view from last year's Oban Pride march with a big rainbow flag being waved against the backdrop of the town centre. In the corner is the Oban Pride logo; a stylised McCaig's tower with a rainbow over it and our name and charity number (SC049763)

Only two weeks to go! 🎉 We're excited to announce we''ll be showcasing some of the fantastic stalls we will have at #ObanPride2025 — amazing artists, talented crafts people, and charities and community groups who are working hard to make the world a little bit better for all of us!

#ObanPride

A photo of Theo performing, on a rainbow background. The text reads: “THEO #obanpride2025 Registered charity: SC049763”

This will be Theo's second time performing solo at #ObanPride. Woo hoo!!! 🎉

Check them out: @theo.plays.music on IG

#ObanPride2025

Love to the amazing Sacha Coward for writing this, and to the trans community and all those affected by this 🏳️‍⚧️