Experience Cosmic Parties on the Isle of Coll
When your taxi to the nightclub is a 2.5-hour journey on a 5500-ton ferry, you know you’re in for an interesting time.
Discovering the Isle of Coll
Some 40 miles west of the Scottish town of Oban, in the dreamy archipelago of the Inner Hebrides, the Isle of Coll is a place for relaxation and exploration, perfect for dodging the crowds and daydreaming by the sea.
- Nature supplies the entertainment here: white-sand beaches, starry skies, and golden sunsets.
- The sound of waves and the distinctive call of the corncrake echo throughout the island.
- Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate basking sharks, seals, and numerous seabirds.
Popular with stargazers, island hoppers, and wildlife watchers, the unspoiled Isle of Coll becomes a lively spot for those visiting on September 22 and 23.
Detour Discotheque: A Unique Experience
The brainchild of London-based DJ and magazine editor Jonny Ensall, Detour Discotheque calls itself the “world’s most remote disco,” bringing groovy beats and throwback scenes to surprising locations around the globe. The concept of a one-time, two-night pop-up party is enough to entice and excite: a temporary opportunity to bust a move on a unique dance floor, made all the more appealing by a far-flung location and the effort needed to get there.
The debut disco in Iceland transformed a village town hall into a glittering old-school nightclub, and Coll is poised to be an equally unexpected successor. This lovely Scottish island has unique remoteness that adds to its charm.
Stargazing and Cosmic Themes
Due to its absence of street lights and distance from the mainland, Coll was awarded “Dark Sky Community” status in 2013, one of only two such places in Scotland. The lack of light pollution provides unrivaled stargazing opportunities, with constellations, the Milky Way, and even northern lights visible to the naked eye. These treasures inspire this year’s Detour Discotheque theme, “Journey to the Cosmos.”
The community center, An Cridhe (Gaelic for “the heart”), will host the party. This versatile space usually accommodates weekly markets and sporting events, making it well-prepared for a New York–in–the–’70s style disco.
The Festival Lineup
A mixed crowd is expected, including local residents and international visitors, with a capacity of 250 attendees – an exclusive experience by city standards. The weekend lineup features:
- International electronic beats by Auntie Flo
- Latin-inspired disco from Puerto Rican DJ Daisybelle
- Sounds from Glasgow duo Free Love
- The island’s very own Cosmic Ceilidh Band.
When the immersive cosmic event wraps up and partygoers spill out into the quaint village of Arinagour, the clear skies will surely keep the vibes flowing.
Dining Options on the Isle of Coll
The only pub on the island, Coll Hotel, is an award-winning, family-run establishment where visitors can enjoy drinks and exceptional home-cooked cuisine. The friendly Island Cafe serves local produce and freshly baked goods, while Tigh Na Mara guesthouse offers takeaway picnic options and self-catering supplies from Coll Stores, which also stocks local craft spirits from the Isle of Coll Distillery.
Exploring Coll’s Natural Beauty
With no fewer than 30 sandy beaches, Coll ranges in size and accessibility, making it ideal for exploration. Rent a bike from Isle of Coll Post Office to discover hidden gems like Crossapol Bay, Torastan, and Sorisdale Bay. Don’t forget to pick up a souvenir from local designer Ross of Coll.
Accommodation on the Isle of Coll
Arinagour serves as the hub and ferry port, offering limited accommodation options that should be booked early. Options include the luxurious sea-view Coll Hotel and the budget-friendly Coll Bunkhouse next to An Cridhe. For a high-end experience, Tigh Na Mara guesthouse provides home comforts and a hearty breakfast to fuel your adventures.
Campsites are also available, requiring pre-booking, situated approximately five miles from Arinagour: one amidst the RSPB Nature Reserve at Garden House Camping and the other nearby the coast at Toraston Farm.
