Sunrise over a misty Arinagour |
The Weather of Coll
Coll's weather is very important – understanding it, forecasting it, experiencing it, surviving it, and talking endlessly about it. The most important aspect of weather, to those living here, is probably the wind.
The Isle of Coll enjoys a relatively mild climate, influenced by the Gulf Stream, frosts and snow being a rarity. Tiree, the next island to Coll, has been recorded as being the sunniest place in Britain.
The disadvantage of being out in the Atlantic is wind. We do get a fair bit of it, but at least it keeps what few midges survive at bay. 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 (in particular, we often pity the residents of Mull). This is the reason national TV weather forecasts have minimal relevance to Coll and probably why every Collach is a self-proclaimed weather guru!
However, we all agree you will require high factor sun cream, the sun is unfiltered, there is next to no air pollution!
Unlike many mainland areas, the weather here can change in minutes. Be prepared for a complete U turn which can come without warning. The weather here is exciting and in excess but can often unfold into some wonderfully dramatic land and sky scapes.