Islanders split over mobile phone masts on Coll MOBILE phone coverage could soon become a reality on the remote Hebridean outpost of Coll - but islanders are split over whether it should ever happen in the first place. A planning application has been lodged to construct a 50ft phone mast with two dishes on the small island located west of Mull, in the Inner Hebrides. Development Coll, the local community trust behind the project, claims it would assist not only islanders who have no mobile coverage, but also the emergency services, including the local GP. The pilot scheme would see the taxpayer stump up the cost of constructing the mast, believed to be around several thousands pounds, with the trust meeting the running costs of up to £2,000 a year. John Fraser, of Development Coll, believes the mast could soon pay for itself with other organisations paying "rent" for its future use. They are in discussions with NHS Highland, Scottish and Southern Energy and the Coastguard. Other telecommunications firms may also sign up to use the mast, which will initially benefit Vodaphone and BT users. Some locals have voiced concern about mobile phone coverage detracting from the island's "remoteness," particularly for visiting tourists wanting to "get away from everyday life." Pat Graham, secretary of Coll Community Council, said: "This has really split the island. Many don't want it. We are a very natural, environmental island and are concerned about anything that spoils that. We now have one or two wind turbines, which are an eyesore, and we are talking about radio masts. My understanding is that this mast will need feeder masts before being able to operate. She added: "It'll cover some areas of the island, but not all areas. We managed without mobile phones up until now. Tourists, because they're so used to having mobile phones, bless them, they come here and expect mobile service which is a shame because Coll is something different to that. You come here to unwind. She claimed Development Coll was not a community trust, but a private enterprise out to make money. The island, with a population of only around 200, is well-known for its wildlife, basking sharks and recently secured stargazing "dark skies" status. But residents have never had mobile phone reception outside of a few isolated spots. Mairi Hedderwick, author of the children's book Katie Morag, once lived on Coll and the fictional island of Struay is based on her experiences of living there. It is also home to former Scottish rugby captain Rob Wainwright. Pat Fraser said: "The vast majority of islanders want this, and if someone doesn't want to use their mobile they can just switch it off. The Scottish Government will meet the construction costs, while Vodaphone and BT will provide the communications technology. Once that is in place, Development Coll will take on the management and running of the mast. If this pilot proves successful it could be rolled out to the likes of Canna and Rum. He added: "The ongoing costs could be met by outside organisations, including public bodies who require mobile phone coverage in the area. This includes NHS Highland. The doctor on the island is on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. She cannot move from her house without putting calls through to the next place she is going to visit. NHS Highland is a keen supporter and will hopefully contribute towards the costs, along with others. We are also hoping other phone companies, such as T-Mobile, Virgin and Orange will want to put their own equipment on the mast, for which we will charge a rental fee. Theoretically the mast will pay for itself. There are people operating private enterprises who will welcome this as it is essential in this day and age of communication. I have heard some people are against it because Coll is a peaceful place to visit. But if you don't want your mobile phone ringing, just turn it off. A Scottish Government spokesperson said: "This is one of a number of projects that the Scottish Government has developed, in conjunction with local partners, as part of our Demonstrating Digital programme, which aims to test new technologies and business models that could accelerate our ambition to be a world-class digital nation by 2020. The aim of this project is to test an alternative model, based around community ownership of a mobile mast, to extend coverage to an area not previously seen as commercially viable by mobile operators. The project is currently in the planning application process and the local community on Coll will have the chance to share their views on the proposal as it progresses. The costs of erecting a mobile mast can vary, depending on the location. We estimate the capital cost of the community mast on Coll would be around £100,000. The planning application for the mast will be considered by Argyll and Bute Council later in the spring.