Canna: The Story of a Hebridean Island

Canna is one of the most perfect islands in the Hebrides. Powerful historical currents have met on its shores. Religion links it with St Columba and with the medieval Benedictine monastery of Iona, its Gaelic language links it with Ireland, its older place names link it with Norway. Its political history saw the Norse occupation, the Lordship of the Isles, the Irish Franciscan mission of the 1620s to the Hebrides, the Earls of Argyll, the MacDonalds of Clanranald and the Jacobite risings. Canna's history illustrates the rise and fall of the kelp industry, and that of the Gaelic Schools Society, and also provides an example of the 19th century Highland Clearances and the once buoyant fishing industry. The author discusses all these subjects and their implications both for Canna as a Hebridean island and for Scotland as a whole. The book contains several appendices which explore the traditions and wild life of the island, its archaeology and an account of its wild bird life.