News from the Isle of Canna
The tiny Hebridean island of Canna holds an outsized place in many American hearts. Given to the National Trust for Scotland by historian John Lorne Campbell and his Pittsburgh-born wife, the folklorist Margaret Faye Shaw, in 1981, the island teems with thousands of years of human and natural history – from prehistoric archaeological sites, to a remarkable collection of Gaelic song and poetry, to tens of thousands of seabirds.
Read on for updates from the island and to learn more about our work this fall that will help make sure this extraordinary island and the treasures it holds are protected and made accessible to visitors from around the world.
On the Cliffs of Canna
Thousands of seabirds nest on this Hebridean island every summer. Find out about our vital work to monitor them and protect their rocky habitats in this article which originally appeared in the NTS members’ magazine in summer 2020.
Virtual Tour of Canna and Sanday
Using innovative mapping technologies, the National Trust for Scotland is generating 3D ‘digital twins’ of important heritage and archaeological sites, helping to build immersive virtual tours to explore our places.
Margaret Fay Shaw’s Pennsylvania Roots
To celebrate Women’s History Month, Canna Archivist Fiona Mackenzie uses archival material to piece together the early history of the family of folklorist Margaret Fay Shaw in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Support the Isle of Canna
Today we’re embarking on an ambitious plan to improve access – both physical and virtual – to the natural, built, and cultural heritage of Canna and to the globally-renowned collection amassed by John and Margaret.
And right now, Americans have a unique opportunity to help protect Canna and its treasures today, so they are safeguarded for the islanders and scholars of tomorrow. Generous American supporters, Helen and DuWayne Sayles, have made us a challenge: they will match all gifts for Canna, dollar for dollar, up to $50,000.
