Information about the Isle of Coll

The isle of Coll is a small hebridean island some four miles west of Mull. It is approximately 13 miles long and 4 miles at it's widest. It has a population that varies from around 100 in the winter to 200 in the summer. It is a holiday destination for many seeking piece and quiet and who enjoy nature and the natural beauty of the hebrides.

Services.
Coll has a general store, a post office, a petrol station and a few gift shops, see shopping and artisans for talented artists. It has a resident doctor, nurse, a volunteer firefighting team and coastguard team. There are two churches, both in Arinagour.
Coll has no theme parks, amusement arcades or parking meters, no street or traffic lights, no traffic jams or road rage, no mobile phones to disturb your peace, no rushing about, no light pollution (you really MUST come here mid winter to see the stars - and the Aurora Borealis), no today's newspaper (only yesterday's if you're lucky), no police and most of all, no pressure....... What Coll has is special and one of the mysteries of this magical island is finding that out for yourself.
The only cash machine is inside the village Post Office and is, therefore, available during opening times of the Post Office.

Phones.
Mobile phones do not work on Coll although reception can be found at the main pier and a few high spots facing the tower overlooking Tobermory on Mull. Perhaps you've forgotten the real joy of life before mobiles!
There is a public payphone by the public toilets at the middle pier in Arinagour - Location. Another payphone is located in the entrance to the Hotel and a new one has just been installed inside the treminal building at the airstrip..

Kiddies Play Park.
There is a kiddies play park in Arinagour, behind the Island Stores - Location.

The Weather.
Tiree, the next island to Coll, has been recorded as being the sunniest place in Britain. We know on Coll that the weather is usually better here and this 'record' is nothing more than the fact that they have a weather station and we don't - or could it just be inter-island rivalry?
The disadvantage of being out in the Atlantic is wind. We do get a fair bit of it but at least it keeps the midges away. Being a low lying island rain often passes by to plague the higher peaks of Mull, Ardnamurchan and Rum. One is often rewarded with bright, clear blue skies whilst all around the panorama shows pendulous clouds over the distant hills.This is the reason national TV weather forecasts have little relevance to Coll. You will require high factor sun cream!