On finishing this book, I came to the conclusion that it would have made a good radio programme. The title Island Voices complements this idea. The collection of opinions and conversations from people living in the West Coast Islands has not been analysed or commented on by Fiona MacDonald but rather, the reader has been left to comment on and identify with, the thoughts and feelings of a diverse group of islanders.

The interviews, several of which were carried out on Coll, include both native born people and incomers, from crofters to landowners, nurses to clergymen. The overriding theme that comes from the pages, is the love of the islands and the way of life that can be made by such different people in a common environment.
There are some lovely quotes in the book especially from Canon Angus John MacQueen of South Uist as may be seen from the following two snippets culled from his interview:

"There's nothing between you and the horizon," and, "We don't have to keep up with the Joneses; we are the Joneses!"

We on Coll can understand such sentiments and we can understand, perhaps, something that can't be put into words but seeps from the pages of Island Voices. You may not agree with all the entries but surely with such people, the Western Isles will continue in good heart.

Copies of Island Voices can be obtained from 'Island Books', Isle of Coll see advert below.