About Isle of Canna

The Isle of Canna is the westernmost landmass of the Small Isles in the Scottish Inner Hebrides, found to the southwest of the Isle of Skye. Measuring four miles long and one mile wide, it’s connected to the adjacent island, Sanday, by sandbanks at low tide. Thought to have been inhabited since 5000 B.C., it’s steeped in history with an archaeologically rich landscape. One of the more peculiar landmarks, the Punishment Stone is where unruly islanders once had their thumbs wedged inside a hole, during the Neolithic era. Bronze Age remains can also be found at the western end of Canna, including large fragments of old huts built in circles and ancient field walls. Originally built in the 1860s, in the style of a Victorian suburban villa, Canna House is one of the most prominent attractions on the island. More recently, it was the home of the late Dr John Lorne Campbell and his wife Margaret, who strived to capture and preserve the deepest aspects of Hebridean culture with an archive of photography, recordings and manuscripts which you can view today. With almost 200 species of birds recorded on the island, it was designated a Special Protection Area under the EU Birds Directive. Some of the most common are puffins, white-tailed eagles, skuas, sheerwaters and crossbills, so it’s a great place for keen birdwatchers. Looking out to sea, the marine life includes a diverse mix of dolphins, harbour porpoise, orcas and minke whales. The spring and summer months see the island flourish into colour, with vibrant wildflowers starting to cover the meadows. Keen botanists should keep an eye out for the rare fragrant orchid, while more common species like lousewort and milkwort are more prevalent.