Canna Mission Church

Set in a spectacular location, overlooking the harbour on the Isle of Canna, the ‘Rhu Church’ as it is affectionately known was built in 1914 to commemorate the life of one of the islands’ former owners. Its distinctive Celtic design, reminiscent of 12th century Irish monasteries reflects the popular ‘Celtic Twilight’ zeitgeist of the era. The little chapel, properly called the Canna Mission Church, was commissioned by Allan Gilmour Thom in memory of his father, Robert Thom (1825-1911), who had acquired the conjoined islands of Canna and Sanday in 1882.

The Thom family, wealthy shipowners and industrialists from Glasgow embodied the new breed of self-made, paternalistic but generally benevolent landowners who bought Highland estates and islands in the early 20th century. They introduced various ‘improvements’ to Canna including a new pier, better croft houses, farm buildings and a telegraph cable link to Skye.

Inside the chapel its vaulted pitched roof can really be appreciated, along with the wonderful acoustics it produces. The interior is austere but fitting, with a memorial plaque dedicated to Robert Thom. The round tower belfry gives the chapel it’s other popular name, ‘the rocket church’. In the small enclosed churchyard stands the grave of Allan Gilmour Thom.

The church looks out across the isles of Canna and Sanday towards the Isle of Rum’s cloud-shrouded peaks. The community is working towards taking ownership of the church in order to secure its long term future.