I Love COLL Make the Most of Your Hebridean Island Adventure

i love COLL Make the most of your Hebridean island adventure... Make yourself at home...

BED & BREAKFAST AND SELF CATERING ACCOMMODATION ON THE ISLE OF COLL

Tigh na Mara offers you friendly Scottish Island hospitality in a stunning seaside location within walking distance of the ferry pier.

Whether you are looking for comfortable Bed & Breakfast or Self Catering accommodation on the Hebridean Isle of Coll, Paula and her team look forward to making you feel at home.

We also offer Linen Hire for self catering visitors to the Isle of Coll.

T 01879 230354 E [email protected] W www.tighnamara.info Hogh Bay

BED & BREAKFAST AND SELF CATERING ACCOMMODATION ON THE ISLE OF COLL Welcome to Coll Now you can slow down. What’s the rush? You’re on Co ll now. You’ve got time to unwind, you’ve escaped...

Leave the everyday behind and discover your own private paradise. Whether you are here on holiday, here on business (or even living here), there is time enough to explore.

From corncrakes to crannogs, beaches to basking sharks, stargazing to seafood, Coll’s offerings are vibrant and varied.

But take care, once you fall in love with this idyllic isle, its impossible to let go... i love summer

Flag Iris Yachts, Arinagour Red-breasted Merganser FishingCrossapol Competition Beach Football

Nature lovers are spoilt with Coll’s abundance of Over the years, many visitors have fallen under wild flowers, orchids, rare birds and sealife. And Co ll’s spell and return time and time again. Coll is also home to Hebridean sheep, Highland cattle and the largest herd of Eriskay ponies in They are affectionately know as the summer the world. swallows, friendly, familiar faces wanting to Coll is an excellent place to bring children on share their love of Co ll. Many of them are holiday. There are lots of young families living Co llachs, so me are descendants, others are on Coll, so plenty of wee Collachs to assist with longtime friends who just can’t get enough of building sand castles. the place. The majority of Coll’s population are incomers, however that means they have made a choice There is plenty to keep you distracted over the summer months. to live here. They take great pride in showing As well as the Coll Show in August, there are two fishing the island off to visitors. So, if you want to know competitions, ceilidhs, golf tournaments, beach football and something about Coll, just ask a friendly face, the Coll Half Marathon. there’s plenty to choose from. annual summer Events & ceilidhs on coll

Beach Football In addition to various go lf, football and other events throughout the summer, the fo llowing events take place each year... July fishing competition fishing dance beach football

august coll show (First Thursday in August) show dance (First Friday in August) coll half marathon & ceilidh (Third Saturday in August) east end fishing competition i love beaches

Old rope North Shore Beachcombing on Feall

During the summer months, the gulf stream makes for pleasant Unlike Tiree, the majority of Co ll’s swimming and Hogh Bay can provide good surfing. For the less beaches are a wee hike fro m the road. aquatically adventurous, perhaps a spot of beachcombing, you But after a stro ll over the machair never know what you might find... you will be rewarded by unspoilt What you won’t find are donkey rides, ice creams or kiss-me- quick hats. In fact, more often than not, you could find that you white sand, crystal clear turquoise have the beach to yourself (apart from the seals curiously spying seas and stunning views of the on you from the water). As well as seals, Cliad Bay is an excellent spot for otters and if you are an early riser you may be lucky other Hebridean islands. There are enough to catch a glimpse of one. The waters around Coll are no beaches near Arinagour, so day also a UK hotspot for spotting basking sharks.

trippers may find it difficult to get And if the beach gets too busy? Well, just move on, there’s 23 to the full flavour of Co ll without a choose from... long walk or a bike ride. Feall Bay

The hidden delights of the beaches of Co ll are so me of the best kept secrets of all the Hebridean islands... I love BIRDS Heron Corncrake Waxwing RSPB ISLE OF COLL NATURE RESERVE

On this reserve the RSPB has been working with farmers to The RSPB manages 1074 hectares of encourage corncrake-friendly farming methods. These include providing field corners with tall vegetation, cutting fields late after typical Hebridean habitats, including long nesting, and cutting from the centre towards the edges so that shell-sand beaches, sand dunes, machair corncrakes can escape to safety. Where these measures have been used on the reserve, corncrake numbers have dramatically (turf growing on a lime -rich ‘soil’ of risen from 10 calling males in 1992 to the highest ever number of finely ground seashell fragments), 66 recorded in 2009. Visiting farmland and moorland. The reserve is always open, as is the visitor information room The reserve is a very special place, particularly in summer when at Totronald Stables. To avoid disturbing corncrakes, please do you can listen to Corncrake, Skylarks and Lapwing, see and smell not enter any fenced fields containing tall grass, and remember thousands of flowers, and admire wonderful views. that dogs can cause real problems for ground-nesting birds and the livestock that maintain our habitats. Please park in the places Corncrakes provided and do not be tempted to drive across the machair. From May to August, the reserve is very important for the Corncrake. This is not only one of the rarest birds in Britain, but This nature reserve is an important place for wildlife. RSPB is also in danger of extinction worldwide. However, they have Scotland welcomes responsible access, in line with the Scottish suffered badly from changes in farming practices – especially the Outdoor Access Code. We hope you enjoy your visit. shift to earlier cutting of hay and silage. Corncrakes arrive here in late April, after wintering in south-east Africa, and hide in tall Contact details vegetation before moving into meadows of tall grass later in the For more information, please contact: RSPB Isle of Coll Nature year. Because they nest on the ground and breed relatively late in Reserve, Totronald, Isle of Coll, Argyll PA78 6TB. the year, they cannot survive if their meadows are cut too early. Tel: 01879 230301 | www.rspb.org.uk/scotland Crannog, Mill Lochs

i love heritage

Co ll has been inhabited since Meso lithic times, more than 6500 years ago . Standing stones, such as the mysteriously named ‘Na Sgeulachan’ (Teller of Tales) at Totronald, are Co ll’s earliest recorded monuments, dated c. 2500 BC. From the late Bronze Age, Coll’s inhabitants constructed island dwellings on inland lochs. Known as Crannogs, these artificial islands were lived on by successive generations over a period of centuries. Then, as now, a house with a loch view was a desirable residence, and the added protection of a bit of water between neighbours would have been, on occasion, useful.

Ben Hogh The Old Castle, Breachachadh Na Sgeulachan Blow away the co bwebs

Winter sunrise, Arinagour on a wintry morning stro ll... i love winter* * It very rarely snows on Coll but when it does, it really snows. The Wild, Wild West...

If you want to witness Co ll at its wildest, a visit in Winter, Arinagour the winter months is reco mmended. A good walk on a windy day really does clear the head, fo llowed by a relaxing warm by the fire, dram in hand. COLL IS A DESIGNATED DARK SKIES ISLAND The light and the colours make for great photography this time of year. And the long, clear nights permit sightings of meteor showers, the Northern Lights or just good stargazing.

There are less tourists around over the winter months but Coll is Feall Bay still a sociable place to be. You will find Collachs in relaxed mood and finding much to celebrate, whether it be Hogmanay or a Burns’ Supper. And if you happen to be on Coll on such an occasion, you will be heartily encouraged to join in. Winter Wildlife In winter, Coll has important populations of Greenland White fronted Geese and Barnacle Geese as well as the Greylags. A flock of feral Snow Geese occur on the RSPB reserve and Long-tailed Duck, Scaup and Common Scoter can all occur in the bays. This is also an excellent time of year to see otters, hares and dramatic seascapes, just make sure you bring some windproof clothing...

Otter Hare ECOLLOGY Scottish Natural Heritage are working with the peo ple on Co ll to protect the fragile eco logy of this unique island. Co ll is ho me to many rare species of flower such as Bloody Cranesbill and the Hebridean Spotted Orchid. Much of Coll’s abundance of rare species is due to the machair. Machair is a gaelic word for a fertile coastal grassland. On Coll, as with other islands on the West Coast of Britain, this grassland has Bloody Cranesbill Hebridean Spotted Orchid become established by the influences of nature and humans. Lime rich shell sand blown from the beach falls upon the grassland, Bell heather making the soil particularly fertile, relatively free draining, and the vegetation, species rich.

Grazing plays an integral part in maintaining a healthy machiar. Cattle and sheep graze (and rabbits and hares) upon the nutritious vegetation ensuring that it does not become rank, and that less competitive species are not lost from the sward. The diverse plant life, in association with the relatively low impact of grazing, ensures that these habitats are rich in many species, including plants, invertebrates, birds and mammals. Crofting communities also used to grow arable crops on these fertile areas, something which is not done as much these days.

Please visit www.snh.org/snhi for more information... the Conservation on Coll Lighthouse Gallery • Coll is more fragile than it might look. • Please remember you may be walking on private land; it is courteous to ask permission to cross it. • Remember to leave gates as you find them. Please use the gates, and don’t climb over fences. • Keep dogs under close supervision, preferably on a lead. This can be a matter of life or death when amongst special wildlife and livestock. Take particular care to keep away from cows with calves, they can be very dangerous to both you and your dog. • Please do not approach seal pups. They may look abandoned, but their mothers are nearby. • Please don’t pick the flowers. Driving on Coll When driving on single track roads, please remember; • Passing Places are marked with black and white poles or Passing Place signs. Run Wild! • When meeting an oncoming vehicle, if the passing place is on your left, pull in. If it is on your right, stop opposite so that the oncoming vehicle can Third Saturday of pull in and allow you to proceed. every August... • If you are driving slowly, please pull into the first passing place on your left to allow following Entry forms and vehicles to overtake. • Never park in a passing place, they are for more info on passing, not parking. our website. • Do not drive off road - it can harm wildlife and agricultural land. • Collachs are friendly - wave! www.collhalfmarathon.co.uk We asked the pupils of Arinagour Primary Schoo l what they love about Co ll... I love FISHING I like to go fishing at the Big Pier, you can buy fishing rods and tackle at the Post Office.

I love SAILING In the summer you can go sailing on Monday and Saturday afternoons in the village bay. You can also go kayaking.

I love BEACHCOMBING On the beach you can draw in the sand with a stick, go beachcombing and collect shells and bits of driftwood to make a collage picture. I love CYCLING You can hire a bike from the Post Office to cycle round We asked the pupils of Arinagour Primary Schoo l what they love about Co ll... Coll and see birds, wildlife and other islands. I love PLAYING The Play Park near the shop is fun. I like to play on the swings, roundabout and pirate ship.

I EVEN love RAINY DAYS! When its raining I like to get out my sketchbook and draw pictures of the wildlife on Coll.

What do you love about Coll? Why don’t you send a postcard to your

Seal by Flora Young friends to tell them... KAYAK HIRE SEASHORE CRAFTS & GIFTS Single sit in kayaks and double sit on kayaks are Take home a memento from the island including driftwood available for hire. Enjoy beautiful scenery and mirrors, quirky driftwood wall hangings and key rings, sea amazing wildlife including seals, all viewed from sea shells and brightly coloured T-shirts. level as you kayak around the bay in Arinagour.

PERSONAL TRAINING HEALTH & FITNESS & EXERCISE CLASSES RETREATS If you are visiting the Island and are keen to Enjoy a fully catered short break on the island with the continue your mainland fitness regimen there are a focus being on healthy living. These breaks are ideal for range of exercise classes and sports clubs available anyone wanting to kick start a healthy living regimen or throughout the year. Personal training and gym as a boost to an ongoing healthy lifestyle. In addition to sessions are also available. health and fitness related workshops, enjoy a range of activities including cycling, beach walks and an Island tour.

| Shore Street | Arinagour | Isle of Coll Tel 01879 230436 Email [email protected] TIGH-AN-LOCHAN Crofters Cottage Craft Shop Post Office

Open daily 9am - 1pm (closed sundays) Tel 01879 230395 or email [email protected] An Cridhe is the Isle of Coll’s community centre, opened by HRH Princess Anne in July 2012. An Cridhe means ‘the heart’, and the building is intended to be at the heart of life on Coll. It is a multi-purpose facility that caters for the many different needs of islanders and visitors. Providing a centre for culture, interaction and warm hospitality to visitors and the local community on the Isle of Coll. An Cridhe makes an excellent venue for a variety of events from meetings and conferences to weddings, parties and ceilidhs. If you’ve got an idea for an event or are interested in holding a function then please don’t hesitate to get in touch – our friendly staff are on hand to help.

We are open from 9am to 9pm every day. Please come and visit us in the village and make use of the range of facilities including the sports hall, the gym, the reading room, WIFI and IT facilities, 24 hour showers, WCs and laundry, as well as a variety of regular classes and groups – all are welcome!

Tel 01879 230000 | www.ancridhe.com

Whether you’re looking for an island adventure or a quiet place to relax, a warm welcome awaits!

Coll Bunkhouse is a five-star, purpose-built hostel situated in the centre of Arinagour, complete with fully equipped kitchen, hot showers, laundry facilities and a spacious lounge - the perfect place to come and relax! With 16 beds in two dorms of 6 and one room for 4 (which can also be booked as a twin or triple), the bunkhouse can accommodate groups, families or independent travellers.

Facilities at the bunkhouse include: • Free WIFI throughout • A spacious lounge and dining area • A fully equipped guest kitchen • Laundry room with tumble dryer and hanging space • Accessible facilities for those with mobility difficulties • Safe and secure private lockers • Hire of sports facilities in An Cridhe (next door)

To book online or for further info including rates and group discounts, please visit www.collbunkhouse.com or call us on 01879 230217 CollBunkhouse @CollBunkhouse THE FIRST PORT OF COLL For Food & Drink, Takeaways, Cooking Ingredients, Ethical Shopping, Self Catering Accommodation & much more

ISLAND CAFE T.E.S.Co ‘HEBRIDES’ Eat in or Takeaway | Licensed The Ethical Sales Company Holiday Flat

All home made food Cooking Ingredients | Snacks & Picnics Set up for seven (and an optional Coll reared meat Scottish Beer & Wine | Teas & Coffees baby) Hebrides is self-contained, Traditional Sunday Roasts Ecologically Sound Cleaning Products airy and light with plenty of space. Booking advisable Summer & Sundays Loose Herbs & Spices | Cheese Special Diet Provisions For full details of all that the flat Opening Hours offers and its yearly availability look Mon, Thurs, Fri, Sat Opening Hours* at www.visitcoll.co.uk where 11am - 2pm & 5pm - 9pm Mon-Fri 10am - 1pm | Sat 10am - 5pm much more information about all of Sunday 12 - 6pm last orders. * Plus when Cafe is open (Closed Weds. in Winter) Coll can also be found. (Closed Tues & Weds all year round) Tel 01879 230488/262 Email [email protected] THE FIRST PORT OF COLL

Ho me Cooking fro m the Isle of Co ll...

Genuine home made meals, slow-cooked in small batches, using only Grishipol meat. Frozen in portions and packed in eco-friendly boxes. Available to buy from Island Stores and Ethical Sales Company on Coll. An alternative to eating out - not an alternative to eating well! Visit our website for the menu, serving suggestions, farm news and blog... www.grishipo l.co m or give us a call on 01879 230247 fo r mo re info . COLL PHOTOGRAPHICS LANDSCAPE, SEASCAPE AND MACRO PHOTOGRAPHY

The Gallery has a wide selection of framed prints available to buy. Every image has been taken here on the Isle of Coll.

Clabbach Photo Gallery Tigh na Clabbach Isle of Coll

(sign posted on road near Project Trust)

E [email protected] T 01879 230 050 The Coll Recycling Group (RecyColl) was established as a voluntary group in 2006. The Group runs a range of community recycling, energy eciency and environmental projects on the island with premises in The Old Hall.

You are welcome to come and visit us at the Old Village Hall (number 1 on the map). Please check website for opening times.

4 1 RecyCOLL @ THE OLD HALL (2 miles) Clothes, Toys, Books, DVDs, CDs, Household Goods etc 2 MIDDLE PIER Old Free Cardboard Bank, Glass Bank Church Coll Hotel 3 VILLAGE COMPOUND < AIRPORT 3 Tins & Cans Bank, Plastic Bottle Bank, Battery Bank, An Cridhe Tetrapaks, Bottle Tops and Lids, Newspaper Bank & Coll Bunkhouse 2 4 CIVIC AMENITIES SITE 1 Electrical & Automotive Items, Bulky Household Goods

Arinagour deemed unﬁt for re-use < FERRY PIER FERRY <

RecyColl | The Old Village Hall | Arinagour | Isle of Coll T 01879 230 051 E [email protected] W www.recycoll.org.uk Visitors welcome!

Sailing from the Old Pier Mondays at 3.30pm | Saturdays at 3.00pm Plus Evening Sessions* * When weather suits and people are available, check notice board on the boat trailer in the village.

£5 per person per session Buoyancy aids, safety helmets and tuition (if required) is included, rescue boat cover is provided with RYA qualified crew. Sailing is weather and tide dependant. Camping at

Small, isolated, well-sheltered campsite surrounded by the RSPB reserve. The walled garden is listed by Historic Scotland and makes a unique setting.

GWe are 5 miles froam the ferry terdminal. Thee wallned garde n hasH 20 pitches with eleoctric hituch pointss ande there are facilities for Motor Homes and caravans. The site has a wet room, water, toilet, chemical disposal point, microwave, fridge freezer, drying lines, BBQ area, seating & tables and lots of tourist information. We are 5 minutes walk from Breachacha beach and our Hebridean sheep are very visible in the adjoining fields.

For more information, please see the Visit Coll Website, or telephone Pat Graham for prices & booking conditions & any further information, on 01879 230 374 or e-mail : [email protected]

Regional finalist VisitScotland Featured in thistle award Best hotel 2013 the Good Hotel Guide 2013/14

Certificate of excellence Scottish Island Hotel of the year from Tripadvisor 2013 & 2014 2008 & 2009

DARK SKIES

“If peace, quiet and an appreciation of the best from nature’s larder are what you are in need of, this could be your ideal island hotel.”

Stewart Paterson | Sunday Herald

Coll Hotel makes the most of seasonal local produce when available, including fish and shellfish, Coll reared Highland Beef and Lamb, Coll eggs and salad and vegetables.

Coll Hotel | Arinagour | Isle of Coll | Argyll | PA78 6SY Tel 01879 230334 Email [email protected] www.collhotel.com Fall in love with the Hebridean island of Co ll. You will discover it has a charm unlike any other Scottish island.

Fro m the tranquility of the seemingly endless summer days to the wilds of winter, Co ll invites you to make the most of your island adventure.

For up to date information, please visit www.ilovecoll.co.uk

Brochure designed on Coll by Ross Evans at www.ros.co | Photography by Tony Oliver at www.colldigital.co.uk | Additional photography by Ross Evans & Chloe Fraser Steele