7 days ago
The tiny hidden gem Scottish island with 'stunning' seafood restaurant
From scenic walks to an award-winning eatery, the isle has it all.
There are many Scottish islands you read about frequently, whether it be Skye or Mull. However, the country is actually home to hundreds of islands that rarely get talked about.
Out of Scotland's many islands, there are lots that are uninhabited and hard to reach. However, there are also plenty of others that can be easily travelled to for a day out.
One Scottish island that is definitely worth venturing to is Canna. The island is the most western of the Small Isles archipelago, situated in the Inner Hebrides.
With a population of around less than 20 people, Canna is a perfect destination for those looking to get away from the noise and chaos of modern living. It may not have exciting tourist attractions, but when it comes to stunning scenery Canna can't be beaten.
Thanks to its unique position, views out over the surrounding islands can be enjoyed all across Canna. Visitors will be able to see Rum—the biggest of the Small Isles—to the southeast and Skye to the northeast, while South Uist lies to the west.
When it comes to beauty spots on Canna, one of the standouts is Compass Hill. Arguably the best place on the island for views, the hill is named after the high concentration of metal ore in the ground that is said to make compasses malfunction.
While on Canna, it is also definitely worth venturing to A'Chill and Celtic Cross. The former was once the primary settlement on the island, but today little remains other than an intricately carved cross that dates all the way back to the 7th or 8th century.
If you start feeling peckish, then you should make a beeline for Café Canna, which is an award-winning café, restaurant, and bar. Its food is mostly sourced from the local area, with dishes including freshly landed whole Canna lobster and full crust Canna beef with 'Blue Murder' cheese and Skye Black ale pie.
Café Canna has earned very positive reviews from past visitors. The restaurant currently has an average rating of 4.8 out of five on Google based on 182 reviews.
One customer shared: "Stunning view, great food and friendly and efficient service. Had an early meal so got the sun on the table on the shore.
"Think my OH is posting a similar review! Great food for vegetarians too. I'm not a vegetarian but chose vegetarian tonight."
"We look forward to our next Canna stopover."
Despite its small size, Canna actually features more than one place to spend the night. If you aren't ready for your adventure on the island to come to an end, fear not.
The Tighard Guest House is located in a scenic position atop a hill, with panoramic views over the surrounding bay. It features three guest rooms to pick from, with each one being named after a local landmark.
The guesthouse itself is an Edwardian home dating back to the early 20th century that retains a number of original features. Converted into a guest house in 2006, it also includes a picturesque front garden and a woodland.
Visitors can also stay at the Canna Campsite, which offers camping pods, caravans, cabins, and more. There are also fire pits for campfires or cooking, as well as picnic tables where guests can sit outside and soak in the views.
According to the National Trust for Scotland, Canna can be reached all throughout the year. Ferries regularly depart from the port of Mallaig in Morar.
More information about the things you can get up to around the island can be found on the Isle of Canna website.
