In September 1996, Dr Geraldine de Mornay retired from her post as GP on the island, a post which she has held for 16 years. The following is a reflection on Dr de Mornay's long career in medicine, in particular the years that she spent on Coll.

Some fourteen years ago there was a vacancy for the post of Doctor and word soon got around that a lady had been appointed. She was then working in the Blood Transfusion Service and would be coming after a refresher course in general practice. That winter Dr de Mornay and her mother, Mrs Shire, arrived to a rather cold and damp house. The island did not know it, but it was now in for many years of exceptional medical care.

The Doctor was soon well known around the island, but what was the small furry object that seemed to be concealed in the front of her jacket? This was Sadie, the tiny chihuaha, companion to Mastiff and Irish Wolfhound gentle giants.

During the early years in Coll the Doctor's mother gave great help in the house and there was tremendous bond between them of love and companionship. Sadly, with the years Mrs Shire became increasingly frail but was wonderfully cared for by her daughter.

The Doctor had previously spent some time working in a large hospital casualty department and this was very useful experience for someone working in an isolated single-handed practice. Cuts and bruises, sprains or broken bones were all taken in her stride and either treated on the spot or despatched by helicopter. Even a skin graft on a burn was successfully achieved. She demonstrated an uncanny knack for diagnosis and would probably have been called a witch in the Middle Ages! Certainly there were lives saved by quick reaction and treatment. Unusual cases turned up from time to time and these were given particular care and thought, poring over text books and telephoning medical friends until a solution could be found.

Dr de Mornay took great pride in the fact that her medical training was at St. Bartholomews Hospital in London. There were many hilarious stories of her student life there, these frequently involved her friendship with, and great admiration for, Maurice Chevalier. Mad dashes across France on a motor bike to places where he was appearing, gatecrashing a reception for him, or onto a film set where he was the star.

There are other interests outside medicine. Boats, birds and dogs come to mind. When she lived on Harbour Island at Crinan, a boat was a necessity and seemed to remain so. There always seemed to be about three, or was it four, of various shapes and sizes. She is not really a 'messing about in boats' person. Boats were used for a definite purpose, like going to her island off Lismore or making a quick visit to Port na Luing.

As for birds, the garden was a positive outdoor aviary and rich source of food for many different species. The ornithological highlights were when a corncrake nested in the garden and brougth off chicks in two separate years. A pair of binoculars was always at the ready in the car and very few birds escaped identification.

The dogs were always in the car too. Sadie was succeeded by the imperious little Clipper. Mastiff and Wolfhound puppy replacements arrived and grew up. It is certainly true, in this case, to say 'love me, love my dogs'!

In October, Coll showed its gratitude to Dr de Mornay with a party and presentation at Tigh na Mara, courtesy of Robert and Ruth Sturgeon. A splendid cake was baked by Barbara Payne and Catriona Brodie and Mrs Janet Stewart, who had travelled all the way from Selkirk for the occasion, made a witty presentation Speech.

Dr de Mornay is now resident in Southend, Campbeltown and is still very much in contact with old friends on the island. It only remains to wish her a very happy and well-earned retirement.