ABOUT THE GALSON ESTATE TRUST
Mu dheidhinn Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn
Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn was established in 2005 to undertake the community buyout of the Galson Estate, and to manage the land, for the benefit of the community and the environment.
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The Galson Estate, which passed into community ownership on 12th January 2007, consists of 56,000 acres of coast, agricultural land and moor in the North West of the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. The estate is home to 22 villages, running from Upper Barvas to Port of Ness, with a population of nearly 2,000 people.
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We work to ensure that the community of Galson Estate benefit from community ownership, and we manage all estate business, whilst also overseeing a range of projects, to support and develop the area. Our current projects range from renewables, to tourism and youth engagement, and we also provide funding to community organisations via our Community Investment Fund. Please visit our What We Do page to find out more about our projects and the Community Investment Fund.
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The intricate relationship between a crofting lifestyle, a panoramic landscape and a diverse natural environment is integral to the way of life on the Galson Estate. The area boasts fantastic coastal scenery and white sands, Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas, a variety of flora and fauna including golden eagles, fulmars and gannets, excellent fishing, and, most importantly, a community that works together to ensure a better future for themselves and future generations. Find out more about our land management and environmental work on our Land & Environment page.
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UOG, which is a Scottish charity and a company limited by guarantee, has an elected board of trustees, made up of members of the local community. There are currently eight volunteer directors and a team of 14 employed staff (full-time and part-time), who run the day-to-day operations and its subsidiary companies. UOG has two trading subsidiary companies; all trading activity is undertaken by Galson Estate (Trading) Ltd and renewables developments are undertaken by Galson Energy Ltd.
OUR VISION FOR THE FUTURE
“A thriving and well-connected community with excellent local services and amenities, harnessing its natural assets to sustain a unique cultural and social environment.”