Canna: culture and community

A hub of activity

The island also has a successful, working farm run by farm manager Geraldine MacKinnon with sheep and cattle, including pedigree Highland cattle. The farming and land management on Canna is deliberately nature-led, with several areas left unmown and ungrazed from March to September to protect safe breeding areas for ground-nesting birds. 

The population of the corncrakes, one of Scotland’s rarest birds, has seen a promising increase with at least 12–14 calling males recorded by the Trust last summer. Once prevalent across the UK, corncrake numbers have been in a long-term decline largely due to the intensification of agricultural methods and were identified as one of the priority species in the Trust’s Plan for Nature. 

Tom Allen, Ranger on Canna, says, ‘We’re really heartened by the success of corncrakes on our farmland, and we hope this is a sign that things are moving in the right direction. However, we know this is an endangered species and their numbers are especially prone to fluctuations, so we will continue to closely monitor our numbers and do what we can to support corncrake habitats.’

A seabird spectacle

Most of the island is a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its geographical and biological importance, including 20,000 breeding seabirds. It is home to a rich variety of habitats, from coastal grassland and machair, to Atlantic woodlands and steep maritime cliffs – all with a diverse range of wildlife species. 

The ranger service, led by Tom Allen, offers seasonal events and activities, including guided walks and talks, working alongside the community to conserve and protect bird species such as corncrakes and breeding waders, as well as spotting otters and eagles. As the tide goes out, the exposed mud in the bay attracts numbers of feeding ducks, gulls and waders, as well as grey and harbour seals. 

At 4.3 miles long and one mile wide, Canna is linked to the neighbouring island of Sanday by a bridge, and by sandbanks at low tide. On a clear day, there are views from the basalt sea cliffs to Skye, the Minch and the Outer Hebrides. Beyond, dolphins, porpoise and minke whales are often seen during boat trips around Canna, though they may be more difficult to spot from the coast. Less common sights include basking sharks and orcas. 

The scale and positioning of the island give it its unique biodiversity. Nathan Cridland, Gardener at Canna House, tries to balance an interpretation of original planting with more contemporary schemes that encourage wildlife. Photographs from the house collection and old plant tags found in the garden itself offer clues as to planting styles and methods of the past, which help Nathan piece things together, and he says: ‘There is a judgement of knowing what to leave alone and where to intervene.’

Unlike other islands in the Small Isles, Canna is completely rat-free following a project started in 2005 to eradicate them. And there are fewer of the invasive species or pests familiar to mainland gardening, making it a unique ecosystem.

The walled garden at Canna House is relatively small, at around half a hectare. It contains some ornamental planting, an orchard, fruit and vegetable beds that provide produce for the community shop, and a croquet lawn.

David Philip, the island‘s new Pier Manager, moved to Canna in October 2024. Speaking from inside his office at the pier – surrounded by hard hats and maritime charts showing sea depths – he says that locals were curious about his arrival at first, but his upbringing on a Highland hill farm on the mainland has helped him adapt well to rural life: ‘On Canna, everyone is involved in the running of things, digging in with three or four community jobs each. Despite the small population, you always meet people out and about and get invited for cups of tea.’

A community united

Every day of working life on Canna is different, but typically it includes reciprocal offers of assistance. This ‘cultural crofting’ might involve help with fencing in return for some firewood, or home baking left out for returning fishermen. Lambing is a peak time for neighbourly support and goodie bags of cakes are often shared out.

The harbour operates all year round, providing a vital link between the island and mainland. It is a statutory harbour and there are strict protocols about docking the ferry, ensuring supplies of fuel, port maintenance, keeping the waiting room clean and tidy, and biosecurity. David was kept particularly busy in December as food packages arrived by ferry in time for Christmas dinners.

David has yet to experience a full summer on the island and is looking forward to the busier months with visitors and events. A cultural highlight will be the Small Isles Games, which rotates across the isles and, this year, it is Canna’s turn to host. Everyone will be involved in deciding on the choice of competitive games from among the community’s diverse skillset, and then celebrating with a ceilidh. 

This interdependency of biological and cultural diversity is one of the many things that make Canna special. It is no coincidence, then, that much of the contemporary thinking about ecological land stewardship emerged from Gaelic language and culture’s strong environmental awareness and understanding about the relationship between land, languages and people. That connection and care for living culture, heritage and nature continues. Islanders are proud of their home and want to show it off, while also keeping it free from over-tourism. As such, the future is shining brightly for life on the island.

Canna House re-opened to visitors in April, and as such, visitors this summer will be among the first to enjoy the house’s updated tour. Ferries run regularly from Mallaig to Canna throughout the summer months. If you’d prefer to stay overnight, limited accommodation is available, so check and book online in advance.

Explore the archive of recordings of Gaelic stories and songs from the Canna Collection.