Hope in Argyll '26: An Invitation to Explore Faith, Community and ‘Life in all its Fullness’
For more than a decade, the Argyll Convention has been a familiar part of Oban’s summer calendar, bringing together Christians from across the region while warmly welcoming anyone interested in exploring the Christian faith.
This year, visitors will notice something different. Rebranded as Hope in Argyll ‘26, the event has adopted a new identity that reflects a wider invitation. While the Argyll Convention remains firmly rooted in biblical teaching and Christian fellowship, the new name places the emphasis on something everyone can relate to hope.
It’s a subtle but significant change. The word convention can sometimes suggest an event aimed primarily at existing churchgoers. Hope in Argyll, however, feels more open and accessible, speaking not only to Christians but also to those asking life’s bigger questions or searching for meaning, encouragement and purpose.
With many people facing challenges ranging from financial pressures to loneliness and anxiety, the organisers believe the Christian message is as relevant today as ever. Their 2026 theme, “Life in All Its Fullness”, explores Jesus’ promise of a life filled with hope, purpose and lasting fulfillment.
Now in its 12th year, Hope in Argyll ‘26 takes place at the Corran Halls in Oban from Monday 3rd to Wednesday 5th August. Admission is free, although organisers would appreciate visitors registering in advance to help with planning. There is no expectation to attend every session. People are welcome to drop in whenever they wish, and donations are entirely voluntary.
The programme includes Bible teaching each morning and on Monday and Tuesday evenings, led by respected speakers Paul Mallard each morning, and Wesley Brewer each evening. Nigel Kenny from the Christian Institute will lead a short seminar on Tuesday lunchtime. Mission organisations including The Mission to Seafarers Scotland, Blythswood Care and Prospects Across Scotland will share their work, while Gospel Literature Outreach will provide a bookstall with books, gifts and resources for all ages.
Families are very much part of the event too. Local church leaders Rev Stuart Lawson, Minister at Oban Baptist Church and Rev Alex MacCallum, Parish Minister of Kilmore, Oban & Tiree Church of Scotland are ready to welcome the community and help shape a vibrant few days of faith, fellowship and fresh inspiration. This will include hosting Messy Church on Wednesday August 5th, from 2.00-3.30pm followed by ‘Ignite Argyll’, an evening of worship and praise for youth and adults.
Stuart Lawson said: “We’re really excited about the upcoming Hope in Argyll ’26 gathering! It’s a wonderful opportunity for the people of Oban to gather and hear a much-needed voice of encouragement at this time. As Christians, we are a people of absolute hope, and that’s worth celebrating! If you’re curious about that, come join us - live music, people’s stories, God’s word - what’s not to love?”
Alex MacCallum said: “In a world that often feels divided and uncertain, I hope people discover that we have far more in common than we sometimes believe. These three days are an opportunity to celebrate that every person is loved, accepted and known by God, and that hope is something we can share together.”
Speaker Paul Mallard added: “I love coming up to Scotland and meeting folk who have a long history of knowing the Christian faith and walking with God. The theme is the book of Philippians, and we’re thinking about the joy that we experience through knowing God. It’s tough for many of us at the moment, but in the midst of that we can have abiding and changing joy, and that’s what we’ll be learning together.”
Speaker Wesley Brewer shared: “I’m looking forward to seeing people changed for the better through God’s word. Hope is what mankind needs more than anything now. We invite everyone - churchgoers and non-churchgoers alike - to come and hear the greatest message that there is to hear, the only hope that can last. There are lots of voices in the world today bidding for our attention, but we want to open up the Bible and hear what God has to say to us.”
Speaker Nigel Kenny said: “It can be easy to feel discouraged by what’s happening in politics. But at the CI, we believe passionately that God intends government and the justice system to be forces for good in society. I’m looking forward to hosting a seminar where I’ll be sharing what the Bible says about engaging effectively with our elected representatives. I’ll have some inspiring stories to share and free literature to help people navigate some of the tricky, moral and ethical waters facing us as a nation.”
Key Speaker Profiles
- Paul Mallard is a retired Baptist minister who is currently Director for the West Midlands of the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches (FIEC) and chair of the FIEC’s Theology Team, helping churches and leaders to think through the key theological challenges facing us in 21st Century Britain.
- Wesley Brewer from the Faith Mission is currently based in Penrith in the Anglo-Scottish Border District. His main responsibility is evangelism around the area, through preaching, one to one evangelism and youth meetings.
- Nigel Kenny is Scotland Officer for The Christian Institute and prior to that practised law for 20 years.
FREE EVENT
Come and go over the 3 days
Monday 3rd – Wednesday 5th August 2026
10am to 9pm
Corran Halls, Oban
Although you can turn up without booking, it would really help us to gauge numbers for refreshments and seating if you could FOLLOW THIS LINK TO ORDER YOUR FREE TICKETS
For further information
www.argyllconvention.com
FB: ArgyllConvention
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Latest News
JOBS
Employee Relations Adviser - ARB18484 - Argyll and Bute Council
Sign up to our daily Newsletters
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