AN COMUNN COLLACH

The Coll Association

Now in its 56th year, the Association continues to thrive and once again we are able to report a very successful year of social events and camaraderie.

Based in Glasgow, AN COMUNN COLLACH provides a focal point throughout the year for all those out on the mainland interested in the Island.

Syllabus highlight was undoubtedly our annual dinner and dance in December when the Association was pleased to honour Mr Donald Bremner MRCVS and his wife Sheila. Mr Bremner, born and brought up at Totamore, Coll qualified as a veterinary surgeon and spent most of his working life in the Oban area, until his recent retiral to Benderloch.

In his address to the Association, Mr Bremner drew in a humorous fashion from his early experiences in Coll much to the delight of members as fond memories were rekindled of "collachs" and days now gone. Members showed their appreciation by presenting Mr and Mrs Bremner with tokens of esteem.

Each month the Association has sustained a very varied programme of activities which in turn has been well supported.

Always innovative, we held a unique Dance during February when we combined traditional dancing to an accordion band to dancing to a top line jazz band - the George Penman Jazzmen! It was a sell-out success much enjoyed by young and old!

Other events ranged from the traditional ceilidh to a whist drive - a race night and fashion show - to a quiz and games night; not forgetting the annual golf match when the Coll Association defeated the Tiree Association which has now become a hotly contested matter of honour.

In between our winter activities and the annual sojourns to Coll, members were able to take in another now annual event - our outing to Arrochar for the always popular supper dance in the company of friends from Oban and other parts of Argyll.

The Association can never be accused of being introverted. The influence of the Coll Association continues to grow on the highland scene in Glasgow. Many members are deeply involved in other kindred Associations and individuals give generously of their time and effort to help.

During the year, we have given moral, financial and practical support to various projects and agencies in accord with our constitution. These included the restoration of the war memorial in Coll (our thanks go to Kenneth and Janet Stewart who donated the plants), the Coll Show and the Scottish Crofters Union.

The Benevolent Fund continued to afford financial assistance in cases of need and gifts for friends during illness or hospitalisation.

No Association can thrive without the whole-hearted support and commitment of its membership and this is self-evident in the activities of AN COMUNN COLLACH.

So if you have an interest in Coll - the island - and its people - and you're in the Glasgow area, please come along and join in. You will be made welcome where everyone has a common interest at heart - the Island of Coll.

Look forward to meeting you soon. 

A.K. Hon. Sec.