Bunkhouse on Coll to be opened by Princess Anne

Princess Anne opened a new bunkhouse on the Hebridean Island of Coll today (Wednesday), collbunkhouse.co.uk reports.

The Princess Royal was present for the official opening of the building, which also signalled the start of four days of festivities on the island.

The bunkhouse, which offers accommodation for up to 16 people, will be managed by local charity Development Coll. Profits made from the bunkhouse will go towards helping to run the neighbouring community centre in Arinagour.

Coll Bunkhouse will be open to those cycling, kayaking or walking around the 30 square mile island, which lies around 40 miles west of Oban.

Both the bunkhouse and the community centre was opened by Princess Anne during the ceremony. A four day event  then kicked off, featuring local performers and ceilidh band Trail West. Thursday's festivities, meanwhile, will be headlined by Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham.

Speaking to grough.co.uk of the facilities, a spokesperson for the bunkhouse explained: "Coll has long been a favourite of birdwatchers, attracted by the sheer diversity of birdlife and the RSPB reserve, established to protect star species such as the elusive corncrake.

"More recently, the island has gained in popularity from kayakers who come to explore its many sheltered bays, or stargazers seeking out the star-filled skies over the autumn and winter months. The bunkhouse is well suited for a range of visitors, whether they be adventure-seeking or simply enjoying the wildlife, beaches and stunning coastline that Coll is renowned for."