# Coll

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Island and parish in Scotland

This article is about the Scottish island. For other uses, see [Coll (disambiguation)](/source/Coll_(disambiguation)).

Coll Scottish Gaelic name Cola Pronunciation [ˈkʰɔl̪ˠə] ⓘ Meaning of name Pre-Celtic and unclear The main village of Arinagour Breachacha Castles Top of Ben Hogh Tràigh Sgaisteil Maclean's Tomb Location Coll Coll shown next to Tiree Show map of Coll and Tiree Coll Coll within Argyll and Bute Show map of Argyll and Bute Coll Coll within Scotland Show map of Scotland OS grid reference NM207584 Coordinates 56°38′N 6°33′W / 56.64°N 6.55°W / 56.64; -6.55 Physical geography Island group Mull Area 7,685 ha (29+5⁄8 sq mi)[1] Area rank 18 [2] Highest elevation Ben Hogh 106 m (348 ft)[1] Administration Council area Argyll and Bute Country Scotland Sovereign state United Kingdom Demographics Population 176[3] Population rank 37 [2] Population density 2.3/km2 (6.0/sq mi)[1][3] Largest settlement Arinagour[1] References [1][4] Ramsar Wetland Designated 31 March 1995 Reference no. 723[5]

**Coll**[note 1] is an island located west of the [Isle of Mull](/source/Isle_of_Mull) and northeast of [Tiree](/source/Tiree) in the [Inner Hebrides](/source/Inner_Hebrides) of Scotland. Coll is known for its sandy beaches, which rise to form large [sand dunes](/source/Sand_dune), for its [corncrakes](/source/Corncrake), and for [Breacachadh Castle](/source/Breachacha_Castle). It is in the council area of [Argyll and Bute](/source/Argyll_and_Bute). [Arinagour](/source/Arinagour) is the main settlement on Coll. There is a ferry terminal on the island which connects it with the mainland of Scotland. Coll also has a small airport. The island is rural in nature and has been awarded Dark Sky status.

## Geology

Coll is formed largely from [gneiss](/source/Gneiss) forming the [Lewisian complex](/source/Lewisian_complex), a suite of [metamorphic rocks](/source/Metamorphic_rock) of [Archaean](/source/Archean) to early [Proterozoic](/source/Proterozoic) age.[7] The eastern part of the island is traversed by numerous [normal faults](/source/Normal_fault) most of which run broadly northwest–southeast. [Dolerite](/source/Dolerite) and [camptonite](/source/Camptonite) [dykes](/source/Dike_(geology)) of [Permo](/source/Permian)-[Carboniferous](/source/Carboniferous) or [Tertiary](/source/Tertiary_period) age are also seen in the east of the island. [Quaternary](/source/Quaternary) [sediments](/source/Sediment) include [raised beach](/source/Raised_beach) deposits which are frequent around Coll's coastline whilst stretches of [alluvium](/source/Alluvium) occupy some low inland areas. There are considerable areas of blown sand in the west and along stretches of the north coast and of [peat](/source/Peat) southwest from [Arinagour](/source/Arinagour).[8]

## Geography

Coll is about 13 miles (21 kilometres) long by 3 miles (5 kilometres) wide.[9] It had a population of 176 according to the 2022 Census.[3] This was a decline from 195 in 2011.[10] Coll's sandy beaches rise to form large sand dunes. The highest point on Coll is Ben Hogh in the mid-west of the island, which is a ridge with two tops running northwest to southeast. It rises initially to a height of 104 metres (341 feet), with a triangulation pillar, and to 106 m (348 ft) 450 m (490 yd) to the southeast.[4]

### Settlements

[Arinagour](/source/Arinagour) ([Scottish Gaelic](/source/Scottish_Gaelic_language): *Àirigh nan Gobhar*),[11] is the main settlement on the island located at the head of Loch Eatharna, on the east coast.[12] Other inhabited locations include:

- [Acha](/source/Acha%2C_Argyll_and_Bute) ([Scottish Gaelic](/source/Scottish_Gaelic_language): *An t-Achadh*),[13] a crofting settlement located 5 km (3 mi) south-west of Arinagour.[14]

- Arileod ([Scottish Gaelic](/source/Scottish_Gaelic_language): *Àirigh Leòid*),[11] located on the west coast; 7 km (4+1⁄2 mi) south-west of Arinagour.[15]

- Arnabost ([Scottish Gaelic](/source/Scottish_Gaelic_language): *Àrnabost*),[11] located 3 km (2 mi) north-west of Arinagour. it is the junction for travel between Sorisdale, Clabhach and Arinagour.[16]

- Ballyhaugh ([Scottish Gaelic](/source/Scottish_Gaelic_language): *Baile Hogh*),[17] located on the northern part of Hough Bay; 5 km (3 mi) west of Arinagour.[18]

- [Bousd](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bousd&action=edit&redlink=1) ([Scottish Gaelic](/source/Scottish_Gaelic_language): *Babhsta*),[19] located 7 km (4+1⁄2 mi) north-east of Arinagour.[20]

- Clabhach ([Scottish Gaelic](/source/Scottish_Gaelic_language): *A' Chlabaich*),[21] located on the north-west coast; 5 km (3 mi) north-west of Arinagour.[22]

- Cornaigmore

- Crossapol ([Scottish Gaelic](/source/Scottish_Gaelic_language): *Crosabol*),[23] located on the south-west coast.[24]

- [Grishipoll](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Grishipoll&action=edit&redlink=1)

- [Sorisdale](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Sorisdale&action=edit&redlink=1)

- Totronald ([Scottish Gaelic](/source/Scottish_Gaelic_language): *Tobhta Raghnaill*), located on the west coast 7 km (4+1⁄2 mi) southwest of Arinagour.[25]

- [Uig](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Uig,_Coll&action=edit&redlink=1) ([Scottish Gaelic](/source/Scottish_Gaelic_language): *Ùig*),[26] located 1 km (1⁄2 mi) north-east of the head of Loch Breachacha.[27]

## Etymology

It has been suggested that Coll is derived from [Gaelic](/source/Scottish_Gaelic) *coll*, meaning '[hazel](/source/Hazel)'.[28] However, the name is given as *Colosus* in the [Life of St Columba](/source/Vita_Columbae) by [Adamnán](/source/Adamn%C3%A1n), the seventh century abbot of [Iona](/source/Iona).[29] As /s/ between vowels had been lost in [Celtic](/source/Celtic_languages) before Adamnán's time, [Watson](/source/William_J._Watson) suggests that *Colosus* may represent a pre-Celtic name.[28] [Richard Coates](/source/Richard_Coates) has proposed that the name may be related to [Greek](/source/Greek_language) *kolossós* and may have referred to a humanoid [standing stone](/source/Menhir) located on the island, like those still seen on [North Uist](/source/North_Uist) and [Lewis](/source/Isle_of_Lewis).[30] As *Kolossós* is not originally a Greek word,[30] Coates suggests that the name could have been given to Coll at a time when the *kolossói* of [Mediterranean](/source/Mediterranean) culture were well-known, or named "by speakers of a language in which the ancestor of the word was the native term."[31] In Icelandic, the word *kollur* (Old Norse: *kollr*, Norwegian: *koll* or *kolle*) means "a rounded protrusion, such as a rounded mountaintop, or a tussock".

## History

### Early history

Dùn Beic (in about 1900), one of several Dùn on Coll traditionally claimed to have been Norse strongholds.

In the 6th century, an Irish invasion led to the establishment of the [Gaelic](/source/Gaels) kingdom of [Dál Riata](/source/D%C3%A1l_Riata), which included Coll. Dál Riata was divided into four kin-groups, of which the [Cenél Loairn](/source/Cen%C3%A9l_Loairn) ruled Coll, [Mull](/source/Isle_of_Mull), and the adjacent mainland, which together consequently became known as *[Lorn](/source/Lorne%2C_Scotland)*, after them. Coll shared the history of Lorn for the next 1000 years, becoming part of the [Kingdom of the Isles](/source/Kingdom_of_the_Isles) under Norwegian dominion, then the [MacDougall](/source/Clan_MacDougall) subdivision of that kingdom after [Somerled](/source/Somerled).[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

Coll, like other Hebridean islands, has several *[crannógs](/source/Crann%C3%B3g)* (artificial islands) located in some of its [lochs](/source/Loch), dating from this early period. It is difficult to estimate the exact age of these islands, but several are thought to date to the Norse period; local traditions describe three – [Dùn Anlaimh](/source/D%C3%B9n_Anlaimh), [Dùn an Achaidh](/source/D%C3%B9n_an_Achaidh), [Dùn Dubh](/source/D%C3%B9n_Dubh) – as having been Norse strongholds which survived until they were attacked by the Macleans.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

The 1266 [Treaty of Perth](/source/Treaty_of_Perth) transferred the [Norwegian](/source/Norway) crown dependency to the Scottish king[note 2]. Following the MacDougall defeat in the dispute between king [John Balliol](/source/John_Balliol) and [Robert de Bruys](/source/Robert_I_of_Scotland) (they had backed the former), the position of *[sheriff of Argyll](/source/Sheriff_of_Argyll)* was created to have [shrieval](/source/Sheriffdom) authority over Lorn[note 3], and the MacDougall lands were merged into the [Lordship of the Isles](/source/Lordship_of_the_Isles). Though MacDougall authority was restored in 1357, by king [David II](/source/David_II%2C_King_of_Scotland), [the MacDougall heir](/source/John_Gallda_MacDougall) had 3 years previously[note 4], quitclaimed any rights to [Mull](/source/Isle_of_Mull) (including Coll), which therefore remained with the Lord of the Isles.

In 1549 [Dean Monro](/source/Dean_Monro) wrote of Coll that it was:

- "*ane mane fertile Ile inhabite and manurit, with an castell and ane paroch kirk in it, gude for fishing and fowlers, with ane utter fine Falcons nest in it*".[32]

He wrote of Rum:

- *"It pertains to McKenabrey of Coll".[32]*

In the 15th century, the island came under the ownership of the *MacLeans of Coll* who constructed [Breachacha Castle](/source/Breachacha_Castle).[33] The MacLeans exercised baronial control of the island until 1848.[34] The Maclean ownership of the castle was sold in 1851.[33]

### Departure

Derelict house at Sorisdale

Map of [Tiree](/source/Tiree) (bottom, southwest) and Coll (top, northeast), 1899.

In the late 18th century there were about 1,000 people supported by agriculture and fishing.[1] However, the collapse in the [kelp](/source/Kelp) market after the end of the [Napoleonic Wars](/source/Napoleonic_Wars), followed by the [Highland Potato Famine](/source/Highland_Potato_Famine), caused a great deal of hardship on the island. By the mid 19th century, much of the population had chosen to leave, many of them moving to Australia, Canada, or South Africa in a process referred to as the [Scottish diaspora](/source/Scottish_diaspora). One source indicates that 23% of the island's population relocated.[35] The process took place alongside the [clearances](/source/Highland_Clearances) where many were removed from their land. In Coll, overpopulation was cited as a factor.[36]

### Present day

In the [2011 census](/source/2011_United_Kingdom_census), the island's population was recorded as 195, representing an increase over the previous decade of nearly 19%[10][37] During the same period [Scottish island](/source/List_of_Scottish_islands) populations as a whole grew by 4% (to 103,702).[38]

In December 2013, Coll secured '[dark skies](/source/Dark-sky_movement)' status, the second location in Scotland.[39] The island has no street lights and little other [light pollution](/source/Light_pollution), allowing unobstructed views of the night sky on clear nights. In winter the [Northern Lights](/source/Aurora_(astronomy)) are often visible.[40]

In January 2024, Coll experienced a 3.3 magnitude [earthquake](/source/Earthquake) according to the [British Geological Survey](/source/British_Geological_Survey).[41]

## Transport

Coll airport

There are only two main roads on Coll. The main hub of the island is the island's largest settlement, Arinagour. Just over a kilometre (0.7 miles) south of Arinagour is the [Caledonian MacBrayne](/source/Caledonian_MacBrayne) ferry terminal.[42] The ferry travels from [Oban](/source/Oban) to Coll to [Tiree](/source/Tiree); and a return trip from Tiree, to Coll, to Oban.[43][44] The ferry between Oban and [Castlebay](/source/Castlebay) on [Barra](/source/Barra) goes via Coll and Tiree once a week.

The [airport](/source/Coll_Airport) on the island, ([IATA](/source/IATA_airport_code): **COL**) is located between Uig and Arileod. [Highland Airways](/source/Highland_Airways) who originally operated the route to Oban went into administration in 2010,[45] but a new operator, [Hebridean Air Services](/source/Hebridean_Air_Services) now operates the route under a PSO with flights to Oban, Tiree and Colonsay. The aircraft used for the flights are a BN2 Islander (G-HEBS). Hebridean headquarters are at [Cumbernauld Airport](/source/Cumbernauld_Airport), [North Lanarkshire](/source/North_Lanarkshire).

Preceding station Ferry Following station Tiree Caledonian MacBrayne Ferry Oban

## Economy

Project Trust centre

Agriculture, primarily land owned farming as opposed to crofting is one of the major employment areas on the island.[46] There are also a few fishing vessels that operate from the island.[46]

The Isle of Coll's community centre, An Cridhe, and hostel, Coll Bunkhouse was opened in July 2012 by [Princess Anne](/source/Princess_Anne).[47] Owned and managed by the community-led organisation Development Coll, the new facilities were built to provide much needed amenities on the island and a social hub for the local community. An Cridhe now hosts a series of annual events such as a half marathon, the Coll Show, a basking shark festival, a bird festival and a chamber music festival, as well as a range of music, comedy, theatre and dance throughout the year. The centre also has a film club, Screen Coll.[48] A remote outdoor disco is also held on the island.[49][50]

In September 2024, it was reported that the island had one shop, one restaurant, one hotel and a post office in operation.[48]

The charity [Project Trust](/source/Project_Trust), which organises overseas volunteering and gap-years, has been based on the island since 1974.[51][52] The founder, Nicholas Maclean-Bristol, also restored Breacachadh Castle.[53][9] The island also has several tourist businesses.[9]

## Wildlife

A corncrake, near Arnabost

There is an extensive [RSPB](/source/RSPB) reserve towards the west end of the island.[54] One of the main attractions is the rare [corncrake](/source/Corncrake), as well as [Skylarks](/source/Skylarks).[55] Traditional local farming practices have helped this once common British bird to survive.

In the 1970s, scientists released [sand lizards](/source/Sand_lizards) on Coll.[56] There is also a small population of sand lizards, as many as 39 individuals were introduced by scientists to test whether they can survive so far north in the 1970s and are still thriving today.

In 2010, a colony of [short-necked oil beetles](/source/Meloe_brevicollis) was found on the island. The beetle, thought to be extinct in the UK, is now known only to occur in southern England and Coll. It is parasitic on ground-dwelling bees, and is also flightless, raising the question of how it arrived on the island. It does not appear to be found on neighbouring [Tiree](/source/Tiree), possibly because of a difference in terrain. Modern farming methods had partly caused its demise elsewhere.[57]

## In fiction

Island on Loch Ronard, one of the many [lochans](/source/Lochan) and [lochs](/source/Loch) on Coll. In the foreground, [heather](/source/Ericaceae) and a [rowan tree](/source/Rowan_tree).

[Mairi Hedderwick](/source/Mairi_Hedderwick), the illustrator and author, used to live on Coll and has used the island as the setting for her [Katie Morag](/source/Katie_Morag) series of children's books. In the books, Coll is known by the fictional name of the Isle of Struay.[58][9]

In [Alexander McCall Smith](/source/Alexander_McCall_Smith)'s *[The Charming Quirks of Others](/source/The_Charming_Quirks_of_Others)* the protagonist, Isabelle Dalhousie, discusses Coll as a place for a honeymoon.[59]

## See also

- [Scottish islands portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Scottish_islands)

- [List of islands of Scotland](/source/List_of_islands_of_Scotland)

- [List of Sites of Special Scientific Interest in Mull, Coll and Tiree](/source/List_of_Sites_of_Special_Scientific_Interest_in_Mull%2C_Coll_and_Tiree)

- [Cairns of Coll](/source/Cairns_of_Coll)

- [Land raid](/source/Land_raid)

- [Religion of the Yellow Stick](/source/Religion_of_the_Yellow_Stick)

## Notes

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** [/ˈkɒl/](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA/English); [Scottish Gaelic](/source/Scottish_Gaelic_language): *Cola*[6]

1. **[^](#cite_ref-33)** rather than Scotland; they remained a crown dependency, like the [Isle of Man](/source/Isle_of_Man) (which had itself once been part of the Kingdom of the Isles)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-34)** Over Lorn only. Authority was only extended to the rest of the region now known as *Argyll* by a gradual process over the following centuries. [Kintyre](/source/Kintyre), for example, was dealt with by the [sheriff of Tarbert](/source/Tarbertshire) for many centuries after this.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-35)** 1354

## References

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Smith_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Smith_1-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Smith_1-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Smith_1-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-Smith_1-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-Smith_1-5) Haswell-Smith (2004) p. 118-122

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-RankNote_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-RankNote_2-1) Area and population ranks: there are c. 300 islands over 20 ha in extent. 93 permanently inhabited islands were listed in the [2011 census](/source/United_Kingdom_census%2C_2011) and [101 such islands](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:WikiProject_Scottish_Islands/Populated_Islands#Inhabited_islands) in 2022.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-RESAS_3-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-RESAS_3-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-RESAS_3-2) ["Scottish Islands Data Dashboard"](https://infogram.com/1pl6y95m7p3022iqpv1mkdevrrczq6e5x59). RESAS/Scottish Government. 2025. p. 6. Retrieved 1 June 2025.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-OS_4-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-OS_4-1) [Ordnance Survey](/source/Ordnance_Survey). [*OS Maps Online*](https://osmaps.com/) (Map). 1:25,000. Leisure.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** ["Coll"](https://rsis.ramsar.org/ris/723). *[Ramsar](/source/Ramsar_Convention) Sites Information Service*. Retrieved 25 April 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-MacanT_6-0)** Mac an Tàilleir (2003) p. 31

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** ["Tiree and Coll, Scotland sheet 42 and 51W (Solid and Drift)"](http://www.largeimages.bgs.ac.uk/iip/mapsportal.html?id=1002385). *BGS large map images*. British Geological Survey. Retrieved 3 February 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["Onshore Geoindex"](https://mapapps2.bgs.ac.uk/geoindex/home.html). *British Geological Survey*. Retrieved 3 February 2020.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-STV_10-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-STV_10-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-STV_10-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-STV_10-3) ["Children on 'Katie Morag island' sing in Gaelic to Duke and Duchess"](https://news.stv.tv/highlands-islands/children-on-isle-of-coll-also-known-as-katie-morag-island-sing-in-gaelic-for-duke-and-duchess-of-edinburgh). *STV News*. 21 May 2024. Retrieved 29 September 2024.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-NRS_11-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-NRS_11-1) [National Records of Scotland](/source/National_Records_of_Scotland) (15 August 2013). ["Appendix 2: Population and households on Scotland's Inhabited Islands"](https://www.scotlandscensus.gov.uk/media/oksbv0u5/rel1c2sb.pdf) (PDF). [Statistical Bulletin: 2011 Census: First Results on Population and Household Estimates for Scotland Release 1C (Part Two)](https://www.scotlandscensus.gov.uk/about/2011-census/2011-census-statistical-bulletins/) (PDF) (Report). SG/2013/126. Retrieved 15 July 2025.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-MacanT8_12-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-MacanT8_12-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-MacanT8_12-2) Mac an Tàilleir (2003) p. 8

1. **[^](#cite_ref-townfirst673_13-0)** ["Arinagour"](http://www.scottish-places.info/towns/townfirst673.html). *Gazetteer for Scotland*. Retrieved 13 December 2009.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** Mac an Tàilleir (2003) p. 1

1. **[^](#cite_ref-townfirst3661_15-0)** ["Acha"](http://www.scottish-places.info/towns/townfirst3661.html). *[Gazetteer for Scotland](/source/Gazetteer_for_Scotland)*. Retrieved 13 December 2009.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-townfirst3705_16-0)** ["Arileod"](http://www.scottish-places.info/towns/townfirst3705.html). *Gazetteer for Scotland*. Retrieved 13 December 2009.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-townfirst3707_17-0)** ["Arnabost"](http://www.scottish-places.info/towns/townfirst3707.html). *Gazetteer for Scotland*. Retrieved 13 December 2009.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-MacanT14_18-0)** Mac an Tàilleir (2003) p. 14

1. **[^](#cite_ref-townfirst3721_19-0)** ["Ballyhaugh"](http://www.scottish-places.info/towns/townfirst3721.html). *Gazetteer for Scotland*. Retrieved 13 December 2009.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** Mac an Tàilleir (2003) p. 21

1. **[^](#cite_ref-townfirst3741_21-0)** ["Bousd"](http://www.scottish-places.info/towns/townfirst3741.html). *Gazetteer for Scotland*. Retrieved 13 December 2009.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-22)** Mac an Tàilleir (2003) p. 29

1. **[^](#cite_ref-townfirst3763_23-0)** ["Clabhach"](http://www.scottish-places.info/towns/townfirst3763.html). *Gazetteer for Scotland*. Retrieved 13 December 2009.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-24)** Mac an Tàilleir (2003) p. 34

1. **[^](#cite_ref-townfirst4323_25-0)** ["Totronald"](http://www.scottish-places.info/towns/townfirst4323.html). *Gazetteer for Scotland*. Retrieved 13 December 2009.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-townfirst3586_26-0)** ["Totronald"](http://www.scottish-places.info/towns/townfirst3586.html). *Gazetteer for Scotland*. Retrieved 13 December 2009.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-27)** Mac an Tàilleir (2003) p. 116

1. **[^](#cite_ref-townfirst3592_28-0)** ["Uig"](http://www.scottish-places.info/towns/townfirst3592.html). *[Gazetteer for Scotland](/source/Gazetteer_for_Scotland)*. Retrieved 13 December 2009.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-:0_29-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-:0_29-1) Broderick, George (2013). ["Some Island Names in the Former 'Kingdom of the Isles': a reappraisal"](https://web.archive.org/web/20150408212824/http://www.clanntuirc.co.uk/JSNS/V7/JSNS7%20Broderick.pdf#page=12) (PDF). *The Journal of Scottish Name Studies*: 12. Archived from [the original](http://www.clanntuirc.co.uk/JSNS/V7/JSNS7%20Broderick.pdf#page=12) (PDF) on 8 April 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-30)** Coates, Richard (2009). ["A Glimpse through a Dirty Window into an Unlit House: Names of Some North-West European Islands"](https://web.archive.org/web/20150407205627/http://yorkspace.library.yorku.ca/xmlui/bitstream/handle/10315/3642/icos23_228.pdf#page=9) (PDF). In Ahrens, Wolfgang; Embleton, Sheila; Lapierre, André (eds.). *Names in Multi-Lingual, Multi-Cultural and Multi-Ethnic Contact: Proceedings of the 23rd International Congress of Onomastic Sciences: August 17‒22, York University, Toronto, Canada*. Toronto: York University. p. 236. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-55014-521-2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-55014-521-2). Archived from [the original](http://yorkspace.library.yorku.ca/xmlui/bitstream/handle/10315/3642/icos23_228.pdf?sequence=1) (PDF) on 7 April 2015.* Early forms are listed in Broderick, George (2013). ["Some Island Names in the Former 'Kingdom of the Isles': a reappraisal"](https://web.archive.org/web/20150408212824/http://www.clanntuirc.co.uk/JSNS/V7/JSNS7%20Broderick.pdf#page=12) (PDF). *The Journal of Scottish Name Studies*: 12. Archived from [the original](http://www.clanntuirc.co.uk/JSNS/V7/JSNS7%20Broderick.pdf#page=12) (PDF) on 8 April 2015.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Coates_2009_236_31-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Coates_2009_236_31-1) Coates, Richard (2009). ["A Glimpse through a Dirty Window into an Unlit House: Names of Some North-West European Islands"](http://yorkspace.library.yorku.ca/xmlui/bitstream/handle/10315/3642/icos23_228.pdf#page=9) (PDF). In Ahrens, Wolfgang; Embleton, Sheila; Lapierre, André (eds.). *Names in Multi-Lingual, Multi-Cultural and Multi-Ethnic Contact: Proceedings of the 23rd International Congress of Onomastic Sciences: August 17‒22, York University, Toronto, Canada*. Toronto: York University. p. 236. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-55014-521-2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-55014-521-2). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150408214115/http://yorkspace.library.yorku.ca/xmlui/bitstream/handle/10315/3642/icos23_228.pdf#page=9) (PDF) from the original on 8 April 2015. Retrieved 8 April 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-:1_32-0)** Coates, Richard (2009). ["A Glimpse through a Dirty Window into an Unlit House: Names of Some North-West European Islands"](https://web.archive.org/web/20150407205627/http://yorkspace.library.yorku.ca/xmlui/bitstream/handle/10315/3642/icos23_228.pdf#page109) (PDF). In Ahrens, Wolfgang; Embleton, Sheila; Lapierre, André (eds.). *Names in Multi-Lingual, Multi-Cultural and Multi-Ethnic Contact: Proceedings of the 23rd International Congress of Onomastic Sciences: August 17‒22, York University, Toronto, Canada*. Toronto: York University. p. 237. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-55014-521-2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-55014-521-2). Archived from [the original](http://yorkspace.library.yorku.ca/xmlui/bitstream/handle/10315/3642/icos23_228.pdf#page=10) (PDF) on 7 April 2015.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Munro_1961_p._66_36-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Munro_1961_p._66_36-1) Munro (1961) p. 66

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Historic_37-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Historic_37-1) [Historic Environment Scotland](/source/Historic_Environment_Scotland). ["Old Breachacha Castle including Battery Wall and Outbuildings (also known as Breacachadh Castle) (Category A Listed Building LB4708)"](https://www.trove.scot/designation/LB4708). Retrieved 29 September 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-n387_38-0)** ["Information about the Isle of Coll"](https://visitcoll.co.uk/about/). *Explore and discover the Isle of Coll*. Retrieved 29 September 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Bueltmann_39-0)** Bueltmann, Tanja (20 November 2013). *Scottish Diaspora*. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-7486-5062-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-7486-5062-0).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-t893_40-0)** Richards, Eric (9 January 2023). *A History of the Highland Clearances*. Routledge. p. 104. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-367-51450-1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-367-51450-1).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-41)** General Register Office for Scotland (28 November 2003) *[Scotland's Census 2001 – Occasional Paper No 10: Statistics for Inhabited Islands](http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/census/censushm/occpapers/occasional-paper-10/index.html)*. Retrieved 26 February 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-42)** ["Scotland's 2011 census: Island living on the rise"](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-23711202). BBC News. Retrieved 18 August 2013.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-43)** ["Isle of Coll secures 'dark isle' status"](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-25300740). BBC News. 9 December 2013. Retrieved 9 December 2013.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-44)** Thomson, Andrew (30 April 2012). ["Residents of Coll in bid for first 'dark isle' status"](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-17893195). BBC News. Retrieved 30 April 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-i389_45-0)** Grant, Rachel (30 January 2024). ["Earthquake on Mull felt like a 'car hit house'"](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cge72grq1wjo). *BBC News*. Retrieved 29 September 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-iknow-scotland_46-0)** ["Isle of Coll Tourist Guide Inner Hebrides Scottish Islands"](http://www.iknow-scotland.co.uk/tourist_information/scottish_islands/isle_of_coll_tiree/coll_tourist_information.htm). *iknow-scotland.co.uk*. Retrieved 13 December 2009.[*[permanent dead link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Link_rot)*]

1. **[^](#cite_ref-calmac.co.uk-coll_47-0)** ["Coll: Getting there/around"](https://web.archive.org/web/20090506175608/http://www.calmac.co.uk/coll). Caledonian MacBrayne. Archived from [the original](http://www.calmac.co.uk/coll) on 6 May 2009. Retrieved 13 December 2009.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-calmac.co.uk-coll_winter_48-0)** ["Coll and Tiree timetable (25 October 2009 to 25 March 2010)"](https://web.archive.org/web/20071103142113/http://www.calmac.co.uk/winter-timetable.html?id=winter-coll-and-tiree--oban-coll-tiree.gif). Caledonian MaBrayne. Archived from [the original](http://www.calmac.co.uk/winter-timetable.html?id=winter-coll-and-tiree--oban-coll-tiree.gif) ([gif](/source/Gif)) on 3 November 2007. Retrieved 13 December 2009.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-49)** ["Highland Airways goes into administration"](https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/highlands_and_islands/8586688.stm). BBC News. 25 March 2010. Retrieved 25 March 2010.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-F&F_50-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-F&F_50-1) ["Agriculture and fishing on Coll"](https://visitcoll.co.uk/farming_fishing/). *Explore and discover the Isle of Coll*. Retrieved 29 September 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-a295_51-0)** Ltd, grough; Uk, Enquiries At Grough Dot Co Dot (9 July 2012). ["Royal opening for new Hebridean bunkhouse"](https://www.grough.co.uk/magazine/2012/07/09/royal-opening-for-new-hebridean-bunkhouse). *grough*. Retrieved 29 September 2024.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Guardian_52-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Guardian_52-1) Smith, Anna (20 September 2024). ["'A perfect place to build a film community': a tour of Scotland's island movie clubs"](https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2024/sep/20/a-perfect-place-to-build-a-film-community-a-tour-of-scotlands-island-movie-clubs). *the Guardian*. Retrieved 29 September 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-u975_53-0)** ["My night at the world's most remote disco"](https://www.ft.com/content/4b4cd1b5-db37-4db7-901b-157c0df2720f). *Financial Times*. Retrieved 29 September 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-a270_54-0)** ["'World's remotest disco' returns to Coll in aid of Doddie and MND"](https://www.westcoasttoday.co.uk/news/worlds-remotest-disco-returns-to-coll-in-aid-of-doddie-and-mnd). *West Coast Today* (in Portuguese). 12 July 2024. Retrieved 29 September 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-55)** Kerr, Moira (17 March 2008) "Charity plays vital role in survival of remote island". Aberdeen. *Press and Journal*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-56)** ["About Project Trust"](http://www.projecttrust.org.uk/aboutus.php?T=About) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20110414231751/http://www.projecttrust.org.uk/aboutus.php?T=About) 14 April 2011 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine) Project Trust. Retrieved 5 April 2008.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-featuredetails1508_57-0)** ["Coll"](http://www.scottish-places.info/features/featuredetails1508.html). *Gazetteer for Scotland*. Retrieved 13 December 2009.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-58)** ["Guide to Coll"](http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/c/coll/index.asp). RSBP. Retrieved 6 January 2008.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-a644_59-0)** ["Coll Nature Reserve, Argyll & Bute, Scotland"](https://www.rspb.org.uk/days-out/reserves/coll). *The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB)*. 25 May 2023. Retrieved 29 September 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-r746_60-0)** ["Scotland's Secret Lizards"](https://www.froglife.org/2022/02/28/scotlands-secret-lizards/). *Froglife*. 28 February 2022. Retrieved 29 September 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-61)** Ross, John (16 July 2010) ["Beetle mania as 'extinct' insect found on Scots isle"](http://news.scotsman.com/news/Beetle-mania-as-39extinct39-insect.6423196.jp). *[The Scotsman](/source/The_Scotsman)*. Retrieved 19 July 2010.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-62)** ["Random House – Mairi Hedderwick"](http://www.randomhouse.co.uk/kids/characters/mairi.htm). Retrieved 6 January 2008.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-63)** Smith, Alexander McCall (2010). [*The Charming Quirks of Others*](https://archive.org/details/charmingquirksof00). New York: Anchor Books. p. [98](https://archive.org/details/charmingquirksof00/page/98). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9780307379177](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9780307379177).

## Bibliography

- Haswell-Smith, Hamish (2004). [*The Scottish Islands*](https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=bXFwKl5gVqwC). Edinburgh: Canongate. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-84195-454-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-84195-454-7).

- Mac an Tàilleir, Iain (2003) [*Goireasan Cànain / Language Resources - Tadhail is Ionnsaich : Pàrlamaid na h-Alba*](https://webarchive.nrscotland.gov.uk/20240327011012/http://archive2021.parliament.scot/gd/visitandlearn/40900.aspx). (pdf) [Pàrlamaid na h-Alba](/source/Scottish_Parliament). Retrieved 26 October 2025.

- Munro, R. W. (1961) Electronic *Monro's Western Isles of Scotland and Genealogies of the Clans*. Edinburgh and London. Oliver and Boyd.

- [Watson, W. J.](/source/William_J._Watson) (1994) *The Celtic Place-Names of Scotland*. Edinburgh; Birlinn. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [1841583235](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1841583235). First published 1926.

## External links

Wikivoyage has a travel guide for ***[Coll](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Coll#Q194451)***.

Wikimedia Commons has media related to [Coll](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Coll).

- [The island of Coll](http://www.visitcoll.co.uk)

v t e Argyll Islands Argyll Inner Hebrides Islay Am Fraoch Eilean Colonsay Eilean Mhic Coinnich Jura Nave Island Oronsay Orsay Scarba Texa West of Kintyre Cara Gigalum Gigha Knapdale and Loch Craignish Danna Eilean Ceann na Creige Eilean dà Mhèinn Eilean Loain Eilean Mhic Chrion Eilean Rìgh Island Macaskin MacCormaig Isles Slate Islands Belnahua Easdale Fladda Luing Seil Shuna Torsa Craobh Islands Eilean Buidhe Firth of Lorn and Loch Linnhe Bernera Island Castle Stalker Dùn Chonnuill Eileach an Naoimh Eilean Dubh Mòr Garbh Eileach Insh Island Kerrera Lady's Rock Lismore Lunga Maiden Island Shuna Island Mull Calve Island Dubh Artach Eorsa Erraid Gometra Inch Kenneth Iona Little Colonsay Samalan Island Skerryvore Staffa Torran Rocks Ulva Treshnish Isles Bac Beag Bac Mòr Cairn na Burgh Beag Cairn na Burgh Mòr Fladda Lunga Coll and Tiree Eilean Ornsay Gunna Firth of Clyde Davaar Eilean Dearg Eilean Dubh Glunimore Sanda Sgat Mòr and Sgat Beag Sheep Island Unknown Hinba

v t e Inhabited islands of the Hebrides Inner Hebrides Canna Coll Colonsay Danna Dry Island Eigg Eilean Buidhe Eilean dà Mhèinn Eilean Shona Erraid Gigha Gometra Iona Islay Isle of Ewe Jura Kerrera Lismore Muck Mull Oronsay Raasay Sanday Scalpay Rona Rùm Skye Slate Islands: (Easdale, Luing, Seil, Shuna) Soay Summer Isles Tiree Ulva Outer Hebrides Baleshare Barra Benbecula Berneray Eilean a' Ghiorr Eilean Leathann Eriskay Flodaigh Great Bernera Grimsay (North) Grimsay (South) Killegray Lewis and Harris North Uist Scalpay Seana Bhaile South Uist Vatersay

v t e Islands of Scotland Geography Northern Isles Shetland list Orkney list Hebrides Outer Hebrides list Inner Hebrides list St Kilda Other Islands of the Clyde Islands of the Forth Freshwater Islands Outlying Islands Sea Stacks Prehistory Prehistoric Orkney Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site: Maeshowe Ness of Brodgar Ring of Brodgar Skara Brae Standing Stones of Stenness Prehistoric Shetland Zenith of Iron Age Shetland: Broch of Mousa Jarlshof Old Scatness Prehistoric Western Isles Callanish Stones Dun Carloway Rubha an Dùnain Dun Nosebridge History Dál Riata Columba Hinba Kingdom of the Isles Scandinavian Scotland Rulers of the Kingdom of the Isles Bishop of the Isles Lordship of the Isles Treaty of Perth Treaty of Ardtornish-Westminster Finlaggan Earldom of Orkney Buckquoy spindle-whorl Udal law 18th and 19th Century Clearances Jacobite risings Flora MacDonald Literature Orkneyinga Saga Description of the Western Isles of Scotland (Monro) A Description of the Western Isles of Scotland (Martin) A Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland (Johnson) The Journal of a Tour to the Hebrides (Boswell) Etymology General Scottish island names Northern Isles Hebrides Ainmean-Àite na h-Alba Specific Arran Gigha Islay Skye St Kilda Economy Towns Kirkwall Lerwick Rothesay Stornoway Stromness Agencies Community Energy Scotland Crofters Commission Highlands and Islands Enterprise Scottish Islands Federation Oil industry Flotta Sullom Voe Culture Shetland Aly Bain Thomas Fraser Peerie Willie Johnson Shetland Amenity Trust Up Helly Aa Vagaland Orkney George Mackay Brown Peter Maxwell Davies F. Marian McNeill Kirkwall Ba game Orkney Heritage Society St Magnus Festival Outer Hebrides Compton Mackenzie Fèis Bharraigh Free Church of Scotland Iain Crichton Smith Inner Hebrides Islay whisky Runrig Sorley MacLean West Highland Free Press Politics Local authorities Shetland Islands Council Orkney Islands Council Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Highland Council Argyll and Bute North Ayrshire Wildlife Fauna Fair Isle wren Orkney vole Shetland wren St Kilda field mouse St Kilda wren Flora Arran whitebeams Scottish Primrose Shetland Mouse-ear Domesticated animals Cairn Terrier Eriskay Pony Hebridean Blackface Luing cattle North Ronaldsay sheep Scottie Sheltie Shetland cattle Shetland Goose Shetland pony Shetland sheep Soay sheep Westie Geology Shetland Geopark Shetland Geology of Orkney Eday Group Orcadian Basin Yesnaby Sandstone Group Hebrides Colonsay Group Great Estuarine Group Hebridean terrane Lewisian complex Lorne plateau lavas Moine supergroup Moine Thrust Belt Mull Rhinns complex Skye Staffa Torridonian Islands of the Clyde Highland Boundary Fault

v t e RSPB reserves in Scotland Abernethy Forest Ailsa Craig Balranald Nature Reserve Coll Copinsay Corrimony Culbin Sands Dunnet Head Fetlar Fidra Forsinard Flows Fowlsheugh Glenborrodale Hoy Insh Marshes Inversnaid Loch Garten Loch Gruinart Loch of Strathbeg Loch Ruthven Lochs of Spiggie and Brow Lochwinnoch Mill Dam Mousa Mull of Galloway Nigg Bay The Oa Sumburgh Head Trumland Scotland portal

[Portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Contents/Portals):
- [Scotland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Scotland)

Authority control databases International VIAF GND WorldCat National United States Israel Other Yale LUX

[56°38′00″N 6°33′26″W / 56.63333°N 6.55722°W / 56.63333; -6.55722](https://geohack.toolforge.org/geohack.php?pagename=Coll&params=56_38_00_N_6_33_26_W_region:GB_type:isle)

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Coll](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coll) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coll?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.