[1] Following significant population growth, largely associated with the fishing and distillery industries, Oban became a police burgh in 1862.

[2] However, Oban did not have a town house,[3] until the police commissioners decided to procure one to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria.

The parapet was broken by a panel, inscribed with the words "Municipal Buildings", which was surmounted by a triangular pediment containing an oculus and flanked by pedestals supporting finials.

[8][9] In October 1962, another plaque was placed on the main frontage, to the left of the entrance, to celebrate the founding of An Comunn Gàidhealach (English: The Gaelic Association) in Oban in 1891.

[12] Works of art in the building included a pair of portraits by Duncan MacGregor Whyte depicting the provosts, Dugald McIsaac and Hugh MacGowan.