01/06/2026
On 13th June, we will be marking 1 year since Canna House officially reopened! We’ve spent the first year celebrating this magnificent project and all of the amazing people who have contributed to it’s unique history.
One such person is Magdalena Sagarzazu - or simply Magda - as many of you knew her.
Magda first came to Canna on holiday with her Sister and Father; Saturnino Sagarzazu (a close friend of John Lorne Campbell). Over the years she developed her own friendship with John and Maragret, often helping John with his work. After his death she moved to Canna to become Margaret Fay Shaw's assistant and companion, before being appointed as the first NTS Archivist of Canna House. During her time here, she received recognition for her outstanding work on the archives with the George Watson Memorial Award by the NTS in 2015, and the Saltire Society Award in 2016.
In this last year, many visitors have shared lovely stories of Magda. One in particular which speaks to her kindness and warmth took place on the Croquet Lawn in 2011 – a wedding! The couple kindly shared their wedding photos with us and recalled just how incredibly welcoming Magda was, translating for the English and Spanish guests. Her care and attention to every aspect of their wedding helped make it so special and she is very fondly remembered.
This week will mark six years since her passing.
Cuimhneachan blàth.
