Memories, photographs, and tributes for town cat Monty

Shona Wood, from McCaig’s Warehouse, described the team as "heartbroken" at the news of Monty’s passing.

The feline was a regular visitor to the shop, dividing his time between the warehouse and Oban Police Station.

Shona added: “He was a treasured member of our team who not only touched our hearts but those of so many visitors from far and wide.

“He has been photographed many times over the years on his beloved sheepskin rug and red tartan carpet, and many visitors have contacted the store to pass on condolences to his family.

“He was simply the best cat in the world. He will be truly missed, and the shop will not be the same without him.”

Even beyond his years, Monty continues to be a valued member of the Oban community, with pupils from Park Primary School using his passing as an opportunity to teach early years pupils lessons about feelings.

Pupils created a paper memory tree, with each child writing a message on a leaf describing an emotion Monty made them or others feel.

The pupils’ teacher, Miss Gage, said: “The passing of Monty, our lovable and adventurous Oban cat, allowed the children to reflect on their feelings while also learning valuable coping skills for difficult situations such as times of change or loss.”

A fundraiser to create a statue of the “Oban legend” is currently over 80 per cent of the way to its £600 target.

The GoFundMe was organised by Julie Martin and remains open for online donations. 

Ms Martin wrote on the site that the level of generosity “shows  how wonderful Oban people are” and stated that any money raised over the cost of the statue would be donated in Monty’s honour.