Territorial associations have been and indeed still remain an integral part of the 'highland scene' in and around Glasgow. Over the years these in many ways unique institutions - "The Skye", "The Lewis & Harris", "The Tiree" and many more have provided a focal point for the social activities of people connected with each respective island. "The Coll" continues in the same tradition to be the focal point for "Collachs" who although separated by time and distance from their island can by association maintain their interest and affiliation with all things, particularly Coll.

Association has been the key to success during the last year, with the Coll yet again going out to succeed in the furtherance of its objectives and achieving this through its programme of social events. Not content with this, individual members have added distinction to the growing status of our Association by going out and associating "The Coll" with the activities of other kindred territorial associations. The membership have, individually and collectively, also supported the cause of Gaelic Drama and the campaign for Gaelic in Scottish Education.

Important as these concepts are the Association's first loyalties and responsibilities do of course lie with Coll and the Association were delighted to be able to stage a fund raising concert in Coll during the summer of 1983 to raise funds for the much needed remedial work to the Coll village hall. The Association are grateful to the visitors, the people of Coll and our commercial sponsors for their support. One can only hope that the finance and support 36 so freely given will be of benefit to people using the Hall.

As Neilie John might have said "Ah, That was a good one!" - but it's true - why?perhaps a number of factors - a small compact association, the unique contemporary nature of Call, or the growing awareness that Coll is changing, that nothing stands still and valued characteristics can be lost. Perhaps it is this that binds the Association together - perhaps not, but one thing is certain and that is the debt owed by all "Collachs" to the Committee of An Commun Collach. No Association can have received better service, interest and dedication than that given by the Coll Committee. Those attending the variety of monthly functions put on by the Committee will know and have benefited from the fruits of the Committee's labours.
A highlight among these was the Association's Annual Dinner when our guest of honour was Captain William Robertson M.N.I. accompanied by his wife Jane, both long time supporters of the Association and through their well known family ties - of Coll itself. The Association were pleased to recognise this contribution by presenting Captain Robertson with a specially engraved ship's bell.

It would also be wrong to pass unrecorded the growing support and active interest in the Association's activities by the residents of Coll. Even the miracles of modern technology cannot guarantee a passage from Coll in the midst of winter weather and it was a source of great pleasure for members to meet Coll folk out from the island for one or more of our functions.

To those who came out, our thanks! - to those who support us, our thanks! Thats what makes "The Coll" - and thats what it's all about.