A MONUMENT and exhibition has opened in Galson, Isle of Lewis to commemorate and celebrate the communities 100th year of resettlement.
This project was commissioned by the charity Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn (Galson Estate Trust, which manages all Galson Estate business, whilst also overseeing a range of projects, to support and develop the area.
This coinciding exhibition will highlight Galson’s fight for land and the challenges the town has faced over the years.
In 1863, the entire community was cleared to make room for a sheep farm, in 1888 the Galson Farm was raided by a large group and the case was transferred to court in Edinburgh where four men were arrested.
In 1924 Galson underwent its biggest transformation as 52 families found new home in Melbost, South Galson, and North Galson.
These families hailed from Dell, Borve, Shader, Carloway, Fivepenny Ness and further afield, where they were able to make a home in Galson despite facing significant backlash.
Moving towards present day in 2007 Galson was passed into community ownership and is ran by Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn on behalf of the community.
On reflecting on moving to Galson in 1924, Seonaid Ruairidh ‘an Mhàrtainn, who was born in Shader in 1898 and died in 1995 said : “O yes, we liked it. It was lovely right enough. It was green and clean.
“Nothing was ploughed except for the land around the tack… Each family had their own sheep when they came to Gabhsann.
“They brought all their possessions as they were not coming on a temporary basis. They were here to stay.”
The monument itself was designed by Will Maclean and Marian Leven, who also designed other island monuments including the Iolaire and Sùileachan.
The monument uses the symbolism of a doorway to represent home and welcome which the community aims to keep at the heart of it.
The unveiling on the monument on the 1 November featured a number of musical and poetry exhibitions and members of the community are being invited to come and learn more about Galson’s history.
Janet Macleod, cultural engagement officer, Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn said : “I would encourage anyone, whether you are a member of the local community or a visitor to the area, to visit the monument and exhibition to learn more about the history of Galson and to reflect on the historical and cultural importance of this project.
“I have gained a far greater appreciation of the challenges faced by those who were cleared from the area and what they went through for us to be in the position that we find ourselves in now”
