Ask an Islander
Paula from Tigh na Mara Guesthouse on the Isle of Coll told us about her favourite things about island life.
“There’s nothing better than packing a picnic and heading to the beach – you could be in the Caribbean, but without the crowds!
“Calgary Point is my favourite spot on Coll,” she says. “It’s a long walk, off the beaten track and when you get there you only have seals for company. From a good vantage point, the water is so clear you can watch them play underwater.”
Coll is known for its dark sky status, Paula tells us more. “Winter is spectacular! We can go from awe-inspiring gales, with magnificent seas, to jaw-dropping views of the Milky Way, constellations and if you’re lucky, the Northern Lights! We’re very proud of becoming the first Scottish Island to achieve a Dark Sky Community designation from the International Dark-Sky Association.”
As well as photo-worthy beaches and dark skies, Coll offers some fine culinary delights too, as Paula tells us …
“We are so lucky here on Coll, we have fresh lobster and langoustines delivered from our local fisherman (Robertson Shellfish). Fresh eggs, salads, soft fruits and vegetables are grown at Arileod Farm, as well as other local smaller producers. All these local ingredients are brought together at Coll Hotel, our award-winning island bar and restaurant, along with locally bred lamb from Torastan Farm and Cloiche. They excel in producing top-quality dishes from the best local produce available”
To conclude our look at Coll, Paula shared her favourite island walk. “Torastan is perfect. You can park nearby, walk the shore for about a mile along beautiful beaches and then back along the road. It’s lovely and peaceful”. And the best thing about island life, we ask? “Easy. Community, plain and simple.”
Gaelic / Gàidhlig
The Gaelic name for Coll is Colla.
Want to know how to say ‘winter’ in Gaelic? That would be ‘geamhrach‘.
Getting Here
CalMac Ferries operate regular sailings to Coll from Oban on the mainland. Some sailings go via Tiree. During summer months, CalMac Ferries also operate a weekly ferry connection between Coll and Barra.
Hebridean Air operates scheduled flights between Oban on the mainland and Coll. Some flights go via Tiree.
Explore More
Want to find out more about Coll and explore more of our amazing islands?
Download the free Scottish Islands Passport app to:
- discover your perfect island match,
- find out about the experiences each island has to offer,
- collect passport stamps for the islands you visit,
- find information on accommodation, travel and island amenities.
