Welcome once again to the Coll Magazine, now in its 15th edition.

Partly to commemorate this milestone and partly because it `felt like the right time', we have decided to ring the changes with a new cover design. Change - the challenge of having to learn to like something different - can frequently bring a chorus of complaint. We hope, however, that this does not mar your appreciation and enjoyment of Kip Poulson's original artwork and that the new cover will come to he held as fondly as the previous one, created by Mairi Hedderwick, was.

The Magazine Committee has grown again this year. Welcome to Charlie Self as Treasurer; to Kip Poulson and Val Smith for assistance with illustration and to Neil Morrison. It is never easy to pull all the strands of this publication together and, as far as chasing people for promised contributions is concerned, we need all the help we can get!

As always, the Coll Magazine serves as an inspiration for all who have, or have had, a connection with the island - with the land, the sea, the people who live here - and there is room for each and every contribution. It is heartening to spend an evening in convivial company, perhaps propping up the bar in the Coll Hotel and, listening to the conversation swing around to the subject of `the magazine', learn that quite a number of people have had an experience which `would make a good story for the magazine' and some, even, have `thought about writing something'. We will be accepting articles for the 1998 edition immediately...

Letters are frequently received from enthusiastic readers, often indirectly. Writing to Hugh MacKinnon, Susan and Eckhardt Fischer, MacLean descendants in Australia, point out that the poem, `If Once You Have Slept on an Island' (Coll Magazine `96) was written by the American poet, Rachel Field. Witness how widely read and receptive to correction the Coll Magazine can be. More letter and comments please.

Thanks to all who have assisted in the production of this magazine. Contributions and suggestions for future editions are very welcome.

If you would like to subscribe to the 1998 edition please send £2.50 (£3.50 overseas)

to Alison McVey, Ceann a Bhaigh, Isle of Coll, Argyll PA78 6TE.