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Tiny Island Dreams of Doubling Population with Slow Tourism Hub
5 Dec
Summary
- Isle of Canna secures £250,800 grant for visitor hub design.
- The project aims to double the island's population to 40 residents.
- Slow tourism is key to Canna's strategy for sustainable growth.
Residents of the Isle of Canna in the Inner Hebrides are set to design a new "slow tourism" visitor hub, funded by a £250,800 grant from the Scottish government. The project aims to transform a derelict 18th-century barn into a facility offering community spaces and overnight accommodation, with the ultimate goal of doubling the island's current population of 20 to 40.
The island, accessible by a two-and-a-half-hour ferry journey and lacking roads, seeks dedicated travellers interested in its unique culture and way of life. Historically, Canna's population has declined significantly since the 19th century. The National Trust for Scotland has owned the island since 1981, and the community is actively working to attract a younger generation.
This funding marks a significant step towards securing the total £5.6m needed for the project. The proposed hub will include a 20-bunk hotel, upgraded community areas, and a digital archive. This initiative is part of a broader strategy with neighbouring Small Isles to promote slow tourism, ensuring that the economic benefits of visitors remain within the island's economy.
