(Comhairle Eilein Cholla) Chairman: Mr A. Oliphant; Secretary: Mrs Maclean Bristol.

The Council has held several meetings in the past year, all of them open to the public. Some main points raised during recent meetings were as follows:- (i) The high price of petrol on the island. Mr Oliphant, explaining the background to the present situation, said that in 1978-9 the Highlands & Islands Development Board provided a grant and a loan to cover most of the initial expense of the petrol station. These were based on castings that escalated considerably above the original amounts estimated for the construction work involved. A fill of petrol (2,000 gallons) is now three times the original amount budgeted. The Council is currently in correspondence with the H.I.D.B. over this matter.

(ii) The lack of co-ordination between the existing schedules of MacBraynes' ferry services with trains and buses on the mainland. This, a perennial moan of islanders and holidaymakers alike, is again being raised with the services concerned. 34

(iii) Repairs to the Hall. Grants totalling £8,000 have been promised by Argyll & Bute District Council and Strathclyde Regional Council for the much-needed renovation of the Hall. Tenders for building have been asked for and received. The actual renovation is going to cost around £10,000 however and still further sums are required to provide extra facilities such as a car park. It is hoped that everyone who cares about Coll will give generously to the Hall Fund that is now set up. (Details from the Secretary or any member of the Council)