We are a small, award-winning design studio that like to draw and create stuff.

Cànan Graphics Studio (CGS) is a design studio based in the Isle of Skye, situated within the campus of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture. We work across a range of creative projects, specialising in branding, print design, web design, and can incorporate photography and illustrations into projects.

CGS is passionate about Gaelic, our setting and many years’ experience of working on Gaelic projects means we have developed an intricate understanding of the Gaelic-speaking audience as well as a great deal of experience in raising the profile of the language and challenging old-fashioned perceptions and stereotypes.

Over the years we have produced work for range of public agencies such as, MG ALBA, Edinburgh Napier University, Police Scotland (Highland), RSPB and Bòrd na Gàidhlig. Recent private clients include The Iversen Practice, Simon Cousins Media, Inverinate Estate, renowned chef Marcello Tully and specialist cattle breeder Crodh Dubh.

We always strive to provide the very best solution for our clients, and take pride in every job. Whether it’s a small logo or leaflet or something much more extensive, ensuring the final solution meets and often exceeds our clients’ expectations.

steve mckenzie

Steve McKenzie

Senior Designer

Steve has worked in the creative industries for over 30 years, a former curator, artist and now designer, he has a unique approach to any project. In each environment Steve has achieved awards and a reputation for quality. As a curator, he raised the profile of An Tuireann Arts Centre to “one of the coolest contemporary galleries in Scotland” (as reviewed by The Herald) and created partnership projects with Ireland, Denmark, Egypt, France and Japan, as well as throughout Scotland. His own artwork saw him exhibit throughout Europe and Canada, and he represented Scotland at the V&A London.

His design work draws on his varied experience and provides an informed approach to design. His 2017-18 work on Sabhal Mòr Ostaig’s prospectus saw a bilingual document trumping mono-language designs, scooping the award for Best College Prospectus in Scotland, at the College Development Network Awards. With a wealth of happy clients, he remains modest and excited for a new challenge.

steve mckenzie

Steve McKenzie

Senior Designer

Steve has worked in the creative industries for over 30 years, a former curator, artist and now designer, he has a unique approach to any project. In each environment Steve has achieved awards and a reputation for quality. As a curator, he raised the profile of An Tuireann Arts Centre to “one of the coolest contemporary galleries in Scotland” (as reviewed by The Herald) and created partnership projects with Ireland, Denmark, Egypt, France and Japan, as well as throughout Scotland. His own artwork saw him exhibit throughout Europe and Canada, and he represented Scotland at the V&A London.

His design work draws on his varied experience and provides an informed approach to design. His 2017-18 work on Sabhal Mòr Ostaig’s prospectus saw a bilingual document trumping mono-language designs, scooping the award for Best College Prospectus in Scotland, at the College Development Network Awards. With a wealth of happy clients, he remains modest and excited for a new challenge.

Iain Fionnlagh Macleoid

Iain Finlay MacLeod

Business Development Manager

Iain Finlay is a Gaelic speaker from the Isle of Lewis, and has a background in broadcast TV and writing. He is interested in video/audio content creation – online marketing – learning & teaching – fundraising and project development – languages and tech.

His TV documentary work has won awards from Bafta, Celtic Media Festival and Writers’ Guild of Great Britain. His plays have been performed in a number of countries as well as Scotland and London (France, Germany, Belgium, the US) and he has worked on some large scale productions such as St Kilda : the Opera, which was performed at the Edinburgh International Festival in 2011, and Archipelago – a project with 25 young actors from across Europe. 

Iain Finlay is also Development Manager for Further Education at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and has experience of developing learning experiences, especially on-line, for a number of companies.

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Cànan Graphics Studio, IIN, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, Sleat, Isle of Skye, IV44 8RQ

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