Sanday, Tidal island in Inner Hebrides, Scotland
Sanday is a tidal island in the Inner Hebrides covering roughly 184 hectares of land. Sandbanks naturally connect it to the neighboring island of Canna during low tide, though this link disappears when the water returns.
A footbridge originally connected the island to Canna until a road bridge replaced it in 2006. This change eliminated dependence on tides and transformed how the two islands function together.
Crofting traditions shape how people farm the land here, with multiple small holdings rather than a single large farm like on neighboring Canna. Visitors can see how these scattered plots and traditional methods define the rural character of the island.
A road bridge ensures the island is accessible year-round without waiting for tides, making planning a visit straightforward. This permanent connection allows you to come and go on your own schedule rather than coordinating with water levels.
The old church of Saint Edward was converted into a Study Centre housing Gaelic language archives and now also serves as a hostel. This dual-purpose space shows how historic buildings are being adapted to keep cultural materials alive in remote island communities.
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