Frequently Asked Questions
Please see below for the answers to some of our most FAQ's. Hopefully you'll find the answers you are looking for!
Is there a shop?
Yes, our Canna Community Shop is open 24/7, 365 days and is run on an honesty basis. You can buy food supplies as well as local crafts and pay your mooring fee here.
Is there a Cafe?
Yes, Cafe Canna is open mid-April to mid-September. Book a table here.
How many people live in Canna?
The island currently has 21 permanent residents.
Can I bring a vehicle to Canna?
No, only residents and contractors can being a vehicle to Canna. Please do bring a bicycle with you, it's a great way to see the island.
Where can I take shower and do some laundry?
Our Visitor Hub is situated down near the Pier and has shower, toilet and laundry facilities for visitors to use.
How can I book a tour of Canna House?
You can book a tour of Canna House through the NTS Eventbrite page here.
What happens if the Calmac ferry is disrupted or cancelled?
The Calmac app is useful for getting notifications on any changes to the ferry. The latest information will also be on the Calmac website.
Is there a school here?
Yes, the school is on Isle of Sanday. It is currently closed but we are working closely with Highland Council to get it open again.
How does Canna get power?
CREEL (Canna Renewable Energy Electric Ltd) is a community owned enterprise and supplies renewable energy to the island. We have 6 wind turbines, 4 solar arrays and a battery bank. The system is maintained by a team of community volunteers.
What do I do if I have non-emergency medical issue?
Dial 111 and seek advice. If the 111 service deems it necessary for you to be taken off the island, they can mobilise the Coastguard or RNLI on your behalf. Please notify an islander as soon as possible if you are to be evacuated from the island (see below re helicopter landing sites)
What do I do if I have a medical emergency?
If it is safe to do so, alert an islander as soon as possible, tell them where the casualty is and dial 999. The 999 service is best placed to offer advice and they can mobilise either the Coastguard or RNLI on your behalf. We have 3 helicopter landing sites so it is important to tell an islander so we can get the local island team out to guide in the helicopter to the site that is closest to the casualty.
Where can I go swimming?
We have several good spots for swimming here in Canna - Sanday Beach, Coroghan Beach and Tarbert Beach.
Where can I go snorkeling?
We have two snorkel trails here in Canna as part of the Small Isles Snorkel Trail - one at Coroghan Beach and one at Tarbert Beach. You can find out more information about our snorkel trails here.