St Columba's Church, Canna

St Columba’s Church stands on the small island of Canna in the Small Isles of the Scottish Highlands. It is a modest stone building with a distinctive tall tower that gives it the nickname ‘The Rocket Church’. The church faces east-north-east rather than the usual east-west, an unusual feature whose purpose remains unknown. A single headstone marks the graveyard, belonging to Joanna and Allan Thom. Nearby, an ancient Celtic cross from the 8th or 9th century adds to the site’s historical depth. The church was commissioned by Mary Johanna Cameron in memory of her father-in-law, Robert Thom, who bought Canna in 1881 and improved its infrastructure. Before its construction, islanders had to travel 30 miles to the nearest parish church. Though built for the Protestant minority, Canna was and remains predominantly Catholic. A wrought-iron gate was added to the churchyard in 1969, and the building gained listed status in 1971. Today the island has only about twenty residents, and the church is rarely used for services. The National Trust for Scotland plans to restore it as an exhibition space for items from the 1881–1938 period. Close by stands the island’s Catholic chapel, also dedicated to St Columba. The site offers a quiet place to reflect on the island’s layered past.