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A major project to enhance the visitor experience on the island of Canna has received a significant funding boost from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE). The £20,000 contribution will support the construction of a new visitor hub, a key part of a wider £771,000 development led by the National Trust for Scotland (NTS).
Canna, the westernmost of the Small Isles archipelago, welcomes thousands of visitors each year, many arriving by boat. The new hub, located at the island's pier, will provide essential facilities for visitors, including toilets, showers, and laundry facilities. It will also serve as a base for the NTS Ranger and visiting healthcare professionals.
The project is a collaborative effort between the NTS, Highland Council, Scottish Government, and the Isle of Canna Community Development Trust (IoCCDT). The IoCCDT will manage the hub on behalf of the community.
The new facility will be powered by Canna's renewable energy grid and is designed to be energy-efficient, with features such as photovoltaic panels and LED lighting. This aligns with the island's commitment to sustainability and reducing its environmental impact.
Ian Philp, HIE's head of strengthening communities for Lochaber Skye and Wester Ross, said: "This is a great example of community initiative that will better accommodate increasing numbers of visitors each year as well as bring community benefit and income. It creates a valuable community asset on a remote island location while enhancing the visitor experience and supporting tourism.
"I'm delighted we have been able to provide support and look forward to seeing the new facility bring benefits for the community and visitors."
Geraldine MacKinnon, Isle of Canna Community Development Trust Chairperson, said: "It's great to see the new visitor facilities completed only five years after the project first appeared in our community development plan. We wanted all our visitors to have modern fit-for-purpose washing and toilet facilities close to Canna Pier.
"It's also important for Canna to keep up with new visitor facilities on the other Small Isles as part of the slow tourism offering we are developing together."
