Canna Small Isles

Island Experience

Canna: A Treasure of the Small Isles

The Gaelic folklorist and scholar John Lorne Campbell left Canna to the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) in 1981. Today, the island stands as a true treasure of the Small Isles. Canna House remains one of two significant residences on the island, alongside the imposing Tighard.

Notably, Canna House contains Campbell’s vital archives of Gaelic materials, which he donated to the nation along with the islands themselves. Because it is an island rich in built, social, and environmental heritage, it remains a place to be cherished. Ultimately, the continued work of the National Trust for Scotland ensures that this unique legacy receives the support it deserves.

Memories of Canna:

I have visited Canna on several occasions, and each trip has been an absolute pleasure. Specifically, Canna Harbour serves as a reliable main anchorage. Its layout accommodates yachts comfortably and allows them to swing freely on the winds that circulate throughout the bay.

Once ashore, my abiding memory centres on the quiet and chilled atmosphere of the Memorial Church. A rocket-like spire rises high above its thick stone walls, cutting a striking figure against the sky. Ultimately, this unique architecture and the surrounding silence create a sense of peace that defines the Canna experience

The day I left the sweltering heat of a July afternoon and the air inside was peaceful, quite and cool, so very cool. To visit these places of worship on the island is a pleasure and most certainly a privilege. I sat for 20 minutes in perfect peace and silence. The small cellar like shaped room is spectacular in its; peace, karma or feng shui – take your pick. It is quite a remarkable experience.

Sitting there one could not help but image in the congregation huddled in and from the pulpit fire and brimstone being preached ‘at them’ and perhaps ‘over them’.

Canna is renowned for its wildlife, including sea eagles, golden eagles and puffins. Recently, peregrine falcons and merlins have been sighted also. The island is also inhabited by a number of rare butterfly species. In the nearby waters one can spot dolphins, basking sharks and smaller whales.

Geological Canna

Canna is famous for its tiers of basalt pillars that rise over the eastern half of the island and the massive sea cliffs that dominate its northern shore. Furthermore, the island reaches its peak at Càrn a’ Ghaill (Gaelic for “rocky hill of the storm”), which towers 689 feet (210 m) above the Atlantic.

In addition to these heights, Compass Hill serves as another fascinating point of interest. Its peak reaches 456 feet (139 m) on the eastern edge of the island. Notably, this hill consists of a volcanic rock called tuff, which contains an unusually high iron content. Consequently, this magnetic pull distorts the compasses of nearby ships, causing them to point toward the hill rather than true north.

A further trip is a must, to top the hill but also to see the Punishment Stone, where unruly islanders had their thumbs wedged into the hole and or to try the fresh seafood and cake at the Café Canna !

Scotisland Neighbours:

Sanday  Rum

Local Information:  Community  Wiki  National Trust For Scotland 

Drones Map Canna: BBC News