THE ISLE OF COLL

Coll is a small Hebridean island 50 miles off the west coast of Scotland and can be reached via the port of Oban by Caledonian MacBrayne ferry.

Although only 13 miles long by 3 miles wide Coll is a varied landscape from wide sandy beaches and rare dunes, to peat bogs, inland lochs and rocky outcrops. Rich in flora and fauna, Coll is home to protected species of birds and flowers.

Coll is a quiet place, with the island becoming alive on boat days. There is a population of around 200 and visitors often comment on the friendly welcome they receive. The First Port of Coll is in the village of Arinagour which has good local amenities such as a post office, a grocery shop Island Stores, petrol pump, a taxi service, a couple of craft shops, a pottery, bicycle hire, a children's playground, a hotel with bar and the Island Café.

For the ornithologist the RSPB Reserve can offer arctic terns and flocks of greylag geese as well the infamous corncrake. The reserve has a small visitor centre and the warden takes guided walks for those who are interested.

The wild flowers are best in May and June where there is a profusion of colour and smell, but the rest of the year also offers a good deal of interest. The coastal waters, like the land, are teeming with wildlife - seals are a common sight, and dolphins and basking sharks come close enough to the shore to be spotted by the lucky or dedicated.

Coll lies in the Gulf Stream and with relatively warm (!) waters, scuba divers can enjoy fantastic clarity and a chance to explore wrecks lying off the coast. For those interested in fishing, mackerel and lyth can be caught from the rocks, and brown trout can be found in the peaty inland lochs.

Coll is also rich in history and boasts archaeological remains of chambers cairns, several iron-age forts, and a hut circle, as well as stone-age and iron age sites that can be found scattered around the island.

Activities are mainly of the outdoor variety, walking, cycling, sailing, fishing and even golfing. It is possible to hire bikes or take a boat charter and there is even a local pottery where children can take classes.

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