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 3 miles at its widest, and has a population of around 160 all-year residents. The island is a holiday destination for many seeking peace and quiet, and those who enjoy nature and the natural beauty of the Hebrides.
The Isle of Coll was home for some 500 years to a branch of the Clan Maclean. In 1590 the Macleans of Duart invaded their cousins on Coll with the intention of taking the island for themselves. A battle was fought at Breacachadh Castle where the Coll clan overwhelmed the Duarts, chopped off their heads and threw them in the stream. It is still known today as "the stream of the heads". The Macleans of Coll retained their baronial fief and Castle of Breacachadh until 1848. Ah, the joys of family!
The Isle of Coll, like other Hebridean islands, has several crannogs (artificial islands) located in its lochans. One such crannog is Dùn Amhlaidh, which is thought to date to at least the later Middle Ages. Local tradition states that the dun was the fortress of a Norse chieftain who was defeated in battle by the Macleans. More History
There are two castles, both at Breacachadh, and at the head of the bay of the same name. The earlier castle dates from the 14th century and both castles are family homes and NOT open to the public. They make for a formidable sight but please respect the families' privacy.
Coll is also the inspiration for the fictional name of the Isle of Struay. Mairi Hedderwick, a well known author and illustrator, set her series of Katie Morag children's books around her experiences on Coll. She says she'll never tell if any of her fictional characters were for real! You can visit many parts of Coll and recognise Struay from her beautiful illustrations.
Tourism
The Isle of Coll welcomes visitors and, without doubt, is becoming more and more popular as a holiday destination. The island provides an antidote to many of the distractions of modern life.
What Coll has is quite special and often quite intangible. Coll definitely has lots of wild, raw nature that thrives due to it's solitude. It is this that brings many to our island and, perhaps, that is why you too should consider coming to somewhere where there is still, even in this day and age, a lot of space for 'nothing.'
Here you are able to enjoy the scenery, flora, fauna, geology, or whatever takes your fancy, without the distractions of kiss-me-quick hats, ice-cream vans or the ever encroaching oxymoron of eco-tourism.
Fortunately, discovering Coll's environmental secrets is still free, assisted by modern technology over 4G and ancient technology, an Ordnance Survey map; Explorer Map 372, Coll and Tiree (available in the Post Office).
Coll and the neighbouring island of Tiree, being so close, obviously get compared. We wouldn't dream of suggesting which is better! The topography, habitats, beaches and even the communities are quite different.
One point that may be of help: Coll beaches are generally hidden from the road and need to be walked to. Anyone less mobile may find Tiree beaches easier to explore.
Tourism
The Isle of Coll welcomes visitors and, without doubt, is becoming more and more popular as a holiday destination. The island provides an antidote to many of the distractions of modern life.
What Coll has is quite special and often quite intangible. Coll definitely has lots of wild, raw nature that thrives due to it's solitude. It is this that brings many to our island and, perhaps, that is why you too should consider coming to somewhere where there is still, even in this day and age, a lot of space for 'nothing.'
Here you are able to enjoy the scenery, flora, fauna, geology, or whatever takes your fancy, without the distractions of kiss-me-quick hats, ice-cream vans or the ever encroaching oxymoron of eco-tourism.
Fortunately, discovering Coll's environmental secrets is still free, assisted by modern technology over 4G and ancient technology, an Ordnance Survey map; Explorer Map 372, Coll and Tiree (available in the Post Office).
Coll and the neighbouring island of Tiree, being so close, obviously get compared. We wouldn't dream of suggesting which is better! The topography, habitats, beaches and even the communities are quite different.
One point that may be of help: Coll beaches are generally hidden from the road and need to be walked to. Anyone less mobile may find Tiree beaches easier to explore.
More Information
The Post Office stocks a number of books about Coll and you can also read more on the Coll Magazine archival website.