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

Cànan Graphics Studio is a design studio based on the Isle of Skye. We work across a range of creative projects, specialising in branding, print design, web design, and can incorporate photography and illustrations into projects.

We have also recently branched into video production and augmented reality, working alongside talented freelancers and partnering with others to bring our creative concepts to fruition.

All of our skills are encompassed in the delivery of the flagship Gaelic Short Film Competition FilmG. We are proud to have worked on FilmG from 2008-2022, establishing the brand across Scotland.

We are 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 public agencies such as Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, MG ALBA, Edinburgh Napier University, RSPB and of course Bòrd na Gàidhlig. Recent private clients include Off Grid Film & TV, 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.

Debbie MacKay, project manager at Canan Graphics Studio, Isle of Skye
steve mckenzie
Iain Fionnlagh Macleoid

Debbie MacKay

Senior Project Manager

Debbie is a project manager with a background in the arts and education. She is the head Project Manager at CGS, and also looks after the FilmG team. FilmG is the Gaelic short film competition, receiving over a hundred submissions each year from young people and adults. 

She has written, produced, and directed a number of youth theatre plays and is also a director for Create Inspire Projects, a community interest company, specialising in bringing the arts to rural areas of Scotland where accessing theatre opportunities are challenging.

Debbie has worked closely with teachers and pupils in schools all over Scotland in both Gaelic and English, delivering workshops on acting, theatre skills, and has written and delivered CPD Drama courses for teachers in Gaelic.

Debbie also works closely with the Foundation Apprenticeship programme at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and has been involved in the delivery of the Creative and Digital Media course.

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 Finlay MacLeod

Managing Director

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.

Debbie MacKay, project manager at Canan Graphics Studio, Isle of Skye

Debbie MacKay

Project Manager

Debbie is a project manager with a background in the arts and education. She is the head Project Manager at CGS, and also looks after the FilmG team. FilmG is the Gaelic short film competition, receiving over a hundred submissions each year from young people and adults. 

She has written, produced, and directed a number of youth theatre plays and is also a director for Create Inspire Projects, a community interest company, specialising in bringing the arts to rural areas of Scotland where accessing theatre opportunities are challenging.

Debbie has worked closely with teachers and pupils in schools all over Scotland in both Gaelic and English, delivering workshops on acting, theatre skills, and has written and delivered CPD Drama courses for teachers in Gaelic.

Debbie also works closely with the Foundation Apprenticeship programme at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and has been involved in the delivery of the Creative and Digital Media course.

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

Managing Director

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

01471 888510 |

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