Scotland's Landscape Charter
Canna Visitor Hub
The Canna Visitor Hub demonstrates partnership working that delivers modern, accessible visitor facilities to the Isle of Canna, without detracting from the landscape cherished by locals and visitors.
Landscape Statement – Vision
The Canna Visitor Hub project aimed to deliver modern, accessible visitor facilities to the Isle of Canna, without detracting from the landscape cherished by locals and visitors. The facility would also protect this landscape, by adding solar panels to the islands existing renewable sources of energy, and by reducing the negative impact of wild toileting on the island due to lack of facilities. By providing accessible facilities close to the pier, it opened up access to the island for enjoyment and wellbeing to a wider variety of visitors.
How does this project deliver the principles of the charter?
1. Collaboration
The project was delivered by the Canna Partnership, through which the IoCCDT and NTS work together to preserve a landscape and culture for future generations. The island community identified a need for the facility, and IoCCDT sought and were awarded funding. The funders then agreed that this could be transferred to NTS, who used their project experience to manage the project to delivery. NTS also provided the land as an in kind contribution, as well as contributing additional funding.
2. Dynamism
The Canna Partnership recognised the changes that had occurred on Canna, with an ever increasing number of visitors meaning existing facilities were no longer fit for purpose. There was also a need for better support for the community, delivered by the project in the form of a dedicated NHS consulting room in the new Hub building. The project was developed sensitively, with archaeological surveys undertaken, but mindful of the need to provide facilities near the already developed harbour location. The building was also designed to sit sensitively in the landscape, and to contribute a reduction in carbon emissions with solar panels sited on the roof.
By providing the facilities at the visitor hub, it is hoped to encourage visitors to stay on the island for longer – moving away from island bagging/ short visits and moving towards longer stays, more engaged visitors, sustainable tourism and the concept of temporary locals.
3. Diversity
The project will contribute to diversity on Canna by protecting wilder areas through dedicated visitor facilities. The building also provides a permanent base for the NTS ranger who lives on the island, allowing them to greet visitors on arrival and explain the local flora and fauna and how they should be treated sensitively, and to deliver guided walks. By providing accessible facilities at the point of arrival to the island, it also allows a more diverse range of visitors to experience the island.
The Visitor Hub will be part of Canna’s community owned/run facilities offered along with the shop/moorings, and registered with SCOTO (Scottish Tourism Tourism). Canna being a member of SCOTO, all of these facilities will be added to the Belocal map https://www.belocal.scot/map/
What's Next
Use of the facility and the impact on the island will be monitored, and changes considered where suitable and practical. A separate project is planned to consider sensitive interpretation at key points for visitors, which will likely tie back to an overarching piece of interpretation including a map to be sited at the hub.
Image Credits:
Isle of Canna Community Development Trust and NTS
Location
Isle of Canna, Inner Hebrides
Year Completed
2025
Lead Contact
Clea Warner, Regional Director – Highlands and Islands, National Trust for Scotland
Groups and Organisations Involved
Isle of Canna Community Development Trust (IoCCDT)
National Trust for Scotland (NTS)