Cairns of Coll

The Cairns of Coll refers primarily to a region of rocky outcrops in shallow waters extending from the north end of the Island of Coll in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. The extension is about 1.1 miles from shore, 1.6 if the Cairns of Coll Rocks 0.5 miles further are to be included. The outcrops of the Cairns are too small to be inhabited. The swift and unpredictable tidal currents between them make navigation hazardous to boats. They are rich in abundant and varied marine life, including the marine mammals. In 2014, the Cairns of Coll were purchased for £300,000 by author Alexander McCall Smith, who expressed an intent to deed the islands back to the nation as a wildlife sanctuary on his death.