Canna
9 photos + 1 video. Donald Mackenzie is a very happy man, with what he describes as a dream job. He was appointed as the first ever HM to this beautiful National Trust Island in 2016, having moved here in 2015 when his wife Fiona was appointed as archivist at the famous Canna House, a world class centre for Gaelic (pronounced "gallick" not the Irish "gaylick") folklore, photographs and music.
It is difficult to describe Canna - a combination of a mini National Park, a film set and a perfect community. With a population of just 16, and a history going back centuries, the island has a sense of peace about it. The well stocked village shop is open 24/7 - is unmanned and you pay on an honesty till - just wonderful. In religious terms, it is the second most important site after Iona, and it is said was St Columba's "summer residence".
Since 2016 Donald has been working hard to bring all the rules and regulations in place to register the harbour as a formal "Statutory Harbour" - previously it was just a pier where the ferries landed, and the most recent harbour survey was in 1853! There are now 10 modern pick-up moorings for yachts to use as well as a detailed chart to aid anchoring. In normal times the island is full of day trippers from over 80 visiting cruise ships per year and there can be up to 30 yachts in the harbour at night. Probably the most unusual part of Donald's job description is to clear sheep off the slipway used by the ferries and landing craft who supply the island. He works 7 days a week, 365 days a year - but I think Donald would not mind me saying - his job is as much about pleasure as it is work. Please visit Canna - it is a gem!
It is difficult to describe Canna - a combination of a mini National Park, a film set and a perfect community. With a population of just 16, and a history going back centuries, the island has a sense of peace about it. The well stocked village shop is open 24/7 - is unmanned and you pay on an honesty till - just wonderful. In religious terms, it is the second most important site after Iona, and it is said was St Columba's "summer residence".
Since 2016 Donald has been working hard to bring all the rules and regulations in place to register the harbour as a formal "Statutory Harbour" - previously it was just a pier where the ferries landed, and the most recent harbour survey was in 1853! There are now 10 modern pick-up moorings for yachts to use as well as a detailed chart to aid anchoring. In normal times the island is full of day trippers from over 80 visiting cruise ships per year and there can be up to 30 yachts in the harbour at night. Probably the most unusual part of Donald's job description is to clear sheep off the slipway used by the ferries and landing craft who supply the island. He works 7 days a week, 365 days a year - but I think Donald would not mind me saying - his job is as much about pleasure as it is work. Please visit Canna - it is a gem!