Cànan Ltd
In our design studio, based on the beautiful Isle of Skye, we work on a wide range of creative projects; from designing and building websites for local and national companies, to bilingual print and marketing campaigns. We also do wee jobs for our community and local school.
Skye Museum of Island Life
This restored village in Upper Duntulm in North Skye provides us with an accurate snapshot of true crofting life of the past. Thatched cottages preceded the modern ‘white house’ at the turn of the last century. This style of home building was commonplace in the Highlands and Islands; practical, sturdy and made using materials which could be found on the doorstep. It was decided in the early 1960’s that a past way of life was fast diminishing and that by keeping one of these cottages preserved as a remnant of a way of life that would soon disappear forever. The museum is home to a collection of local songs, photos, letters, telegrams and much more besides, donated from lofts and croft and ruins. It truly is a genuine reflection of the living conditions in this part of the island in days gone by.
Fairy Pools
Nestling under the imposing Black Cuillins near Glenbrittle are the Fairy Pools (Glumagan nan Sìthichean). These famous pools attract visitors the world over and make for one of the best places in the country for ‘Wild Swimming’ for anyone foolhardy enough to tackle the icy waters. A great walk to get you into the Cuillin scenery without the need for any scrambling or other difficulties. The first section follows a beautiful crystal clear stream full of lovely pools and waterfalls and has a pretty clear path to follow.
Kylerhea Narrows & the Otter Haven
The Kylerhea narrows is the name give to the tiny strait between Glenelg and Kylerhea and is in fact the shortest ferry journey between the Isle of Skye and the mainland. It was the preferred route for many centuries until a railway was station was established at Kyle of Lochalsh in Victorian times. The Cattle Drovers used this crossing on their way to southern sales ensuring that the road from Glenelg became a significant thoroughfare in the Highlands. Legend has it that Fionn MacCumhal’s war band lept across the narrows whilst in hot pursuit of Diarmid who had eloped to Gelnelg with Fionn’s beautiful, young wife Grainne. A short walk north from the forest path carpark, before the ferry terminal lays the Kylerhea Otter Haven, this great hide-away also has spectacular views of Glenelg and the Kintail mountains.
Ashaig
The little village of Ashaig near Breakish is a mere five minutes from the Skye bridge. Ashaig is still best known today for its association with St Maelrubha (c.642-722) who preached here after he sailed from Applecross, his monastic base. He settled on the island of Pabbay directly opposite Ashaig House, but his impact on Ashaig was prolific. The name Maelrubha is an Anglicisation of the Gaelic ‘Maol’ meaning bald (alluding to the shaven forehead of a monk) and ‘Ruadh’ meaning red haired. He was considered to be the patron saint of southern and central Skye with the 27th August marked as Latha Maolrudha. There is still a small sacred spring or well where it is reported that the saint tore a tree from the ground and a stone which served as his pulpit which is referred to as Creag an Leabhair (the rock of the book). It was here that a church was erected which is widely believed to have been the first Christian meeting house in Strath.
Sabhal Mòr Ostaig
Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, Scotland's Gaelic College, since 1973 and overlooks the Sound of Sleat toward Mallaig and the hills of Knoydart. This is a modern, innovative college and has excellent learning resources on-campus including an exceptional library collection and other facilities at the heart of the Gàidhealtachd. The College also plays a leading role in the promotion of the Gaelic arts and culture and hosts a programme of residencies for artists in music, literature and the visual arts. One of the pieces housed by the college is An Crannghal by Inverness-born artist, Will MacLean, who worked on it for 2 years alongside Arthur Watson at the Scottish Sculpture Workshop premises.
Old Man of Storr
Bodach an Stòir, as it is known in Scottish Gaelic, is one of the Isle of Skye’s most recognisable landmarks and visible is from miles around. Legend surrounds the unusual formation and it is said that when an old man and his wife were searching for a lost cow they met some giants and while fleeing they looked back and were turned to stone. The old man (bodach) remains to this day, but his wife fell over some years ago.
Seall - Skye Events for All
SEALL was established in 1990 with the main aim of establishing Skye as an arts and cultural destination and also to showcase and nurture the abundance of home-grown talent that abounds in the area. The name SEALL is an acronym for ‘Skye Events for All’ but also cleverly means ‘Look’ or ‘See’ in Gaelic. After 23 years SEALL is now the liveliest voluntary-run rural promoting group in the UK and has staged over 1000 performances and welcomed over 5000 artists to the area. For 18 years SEALL also organised Fèis an Eilein, a two week summer festival which has now developed into a series of 6 weekly summer concerts. There is always a varied selection to choose from whether you like traditional or classical music, jazz, blues, opera or folk; contemporary dance or ballet, ceilidhs, theatre or stand-up comedy and literature.
Loch Coruisk
Loch Coruisk, from Gaelic 'Coire Uisge' meaning 'cauldron of waters,' is one of the most magnificent of all Scottish freshwater lochs. Nestling in the midst of the Black Cuillins in Skye, it offers a breathtaking panorama of the famous peaks that surround it. The loch is accessible by two ways. If you prefer to walk the loch is about 7-8 miles from Sligachan or alternatively a route can be taken from Elgol. This option does pose some difficulty in that the infamous “Bad Step” has to be negotiated. By far the easiest way is to take one of the boat trips running from Elgol which offer exceptional close up views of the flora and fauna and unique wildlife to be found in the area. The loch itself is nearly two miles long, but only about 400 yards wide and is reputed to be home to a water horse.
St Columba's Island
The church of St Columba (or Snizort /Snìosort Cathedral) was a small cathedral church located on a small island (referred to as St Columba's Isle or Eilean Chaluim Chille) in the River Snizort near Skeabost on the Isle of Skye. St Columba is reported to have preached from a rock in the locality which later became known as St Columba’s rock. The cathedral was built nearby and attributed to the saint. The site may originally have been a pagan Pictish centre, but by the time of St Columba's arrival may have converted to a Pictish Christian establishment. Over time the cathedral gained importance. Indeed, by the 14th Century it was referred to as the Metropolitan Church of the Isles, being the principal seat for the Bishops of the Isles until power was transferred to Iona Abbey. It remained in use until at least 1501, but destroyed during the Scottish reformation. Its remains today are testament to the bearing St Columba had on the islands of Scotland.
Isle Ornsay Pier
It will come as no surprise that Isle Ornsay, or Eilean Iarmain, has a history of seafaring as it is one of the best natural harbours on the island, receiving ample shelter in most West Coast weather from Ornsay island. The stone piers which are in use today were built in the 1800s while Isle Ornsay was a successful herring fishing port. Railways built across the Highlands offered an alternative mode of travel to the traditional steamer, and coastal villages like Isle Ornsay suffered, however the village continues to attract sailors from all over the world to this day. The village not only boasts a fantastic history and views of the iconic Ornsay Lighthouse and over to Knoydart; the Eilean Iarmain Hotel offers the visitor a true Highland experience with an array of local produce on offer in the restaurant and the opportunity to share a dram with the locals in the Praban bar.
Osgaig, Raasay
Sorley MacLean is one of the most influential Scottish poets of the 20th century. He wrote prolifically in Gaelic and in English and was as well-loved in Ireland as he was known in his native homeland. Maclean was born at Osgaig on the island of Rasaay on 26 October 1911. Immersed in the Gaelic language and culture, particularly in traditional Gaelic song, he did not learn English until he went to school. After leaving high school he continued his education at Edinburgh University in 1929 where he read English. He graduated with a first class honours degree. Although he set out writing in English he resorted back to writing in his mother-tongue after writing An Corra Ghritheach (the Heron) which he considered to be better he eventually adopted Gaelic as the medium most appropriate for his poetry.
Neist Point
The point is regarded as the best place on Skye to see whales, dolphins, porpoises and basking sharks. The sea around the point is teeming with sea-birds including gannets, black guillemots, razorbills and shags. The causeway at the tip of Neist Point is home to several species of rare and unusual plant, including alpine plants such as saxifrages.
Eilean Donan Castle
This famous castle, which sits on a small island in Dornie, Lochalsh, is believed to have been named after Bishop Donan, who likely formed a small church in the area during the 6th century. It is thought the first building on the island was erected in the 13th century, and over the years it expanded, but the castle which now stands on the site is not even 100 years old. Lt. Colonel John MacRae-Gilstrap bought the island in 1911 and dedicated the following 20 years to the castle’s restoration after it had been ruined by Spanish soldiers supporting the Jacobites in 1719. There are now guided tours, a gift shop and a café on the site and the Castle itself is only closed in January.
Kilchrist
The ruined former parish church of Cill Chrìosd (Christ's Church or "Kilchrist") can be found in Strathaird, on the Isle of Skye, Scotland. It was built around the 16th century, to replace an earlier Medieval church on the same location. On 19 June 1627, Reverend Neil Mackinnon became the first Protestant minister of the church and of the Isle of Skye. It is understood that he preached in full Highland dress and never went to the pulpit without being fully armed. During his appointment ceremony he 'gave his grite and solemn oath that he all treulie according to his knowledge, give up the Clerk of Counsell the names of all the Papists he knew within the Isles'. People worshipped at Cill Chrìosd until 1840 when the Parish church was relocated to Broadford.
Edinbane Inn Sessions
The Edinbane Inn Session is well regarded as the premier 'bar venue' for traditional music. There are regular impromptu ceilidhs and live sessions every Wednesday night from 9pm and each Sunday afternoon between 4pm and 6pm. All are welcome and encouraged to bring their instruments and join in. Regular sessions are also supplemented by performances by some of the leading exponents on the Scottish folk music scene, making this a great venue to experience a true Gaelic ceilidh.
Duntulm Castle
Duntulm (Dùn Thuilm) is a township on the very northerly tip of the Isle of Skye called the Trotternish peninsula. Perched on a basalt promontory stands the ruins of Duntulm Castle. The castle looks out across the Minch, with Tulm island lying just offshore and is a near perfect site for a castle with 30 metre high sheer cliffs on three sides this was both a secure stronghold and a symbol of strength and chieftainship. Duntulm, originally a Pictish fortress and was one of a chain of forts stretching along the north coast of the Isle of Skye. It is widely believed that when the Norsemen raided and took control, the fort became the residence of a powerful Viking leader and it was named David’s Fort. Trotternish had a chequered past in terms of ownership and the castle changed hands frequently between the MacDonalds and MacLeods. Eventually in the 16th century the Lords of the Isles finally seized the territory and Dòmhnall Gorm (Blue Donald) the chief of the MacDonalds took up residence there and carried out considerable improvements. For a time Duntulm was known for its feasts, balls and music which is documented in the poetry and song of the time. Sadly this period of grandeur and enlightenment did not last and the MacDonalds moved away from Duntulm and built their new castle at Armadale.
Leitir Fura
Leitir Fura is now the site of an abandoned village in a wonderful scenic setting above the Sound of Sleat in the South of Skye. A walk to the abandoned site affords some of the best views to be found anywhere in Skye. Villagers abandoned Leitir Fura ‘voluntarily’ at the beginning of the 19th century, as opposed to a forced eviction as was all too common in other areas of Scotland. Some would argue that they were left no choice but to leave. Many villagers were woodsmen and when they were eventually denied access to the forest on which they depended so heavily they had no option but to leave and seek alternative employment. A circular walk of around 7km around the area is well marked and easy walk with fabulous views.
