Twenty-Eight Years On . . .

In January 1956 a red post van arrived on Coll to take over the delivery service from two postmen on bicycles - Johnnie Maclnnes from Glaic, who did the east end of the island and Arinagour, and Neillie-John Maclean, in Balaclava helmet and accompanied by his faithful dog Storm who did the west end out to Caoles where Dr Buchanan lived. But with the arrival of mechanised transport Calum MacQuanie was appointed the new postman - a job he continued to do calmly and efficiently until his retirement 28 years later in September, 1984.

During that long period there were only three hitches. On the very first day, January 9th, 1956,the van became stuck in the snow returning through the bents from Caoles; during the six-week seamen's strike in the summer of 1966 Calum only delivered on occasional days when the Naval Defence boat called; again in 1971 Calum had an enforced 'holiday' during the prolonged postal strike.

In recognition of his long service Callum was presented with an engraved carriage dock and a cheque from the people of Coll and outside friends. The presentation was made in the village hall on November 26th last by "Mr Stewart, who told several amusing anecdotes.

R.J. s.