Fuadaichean Ghabhsainn agus stri an fhearainn a lean sin
The story of the Galson clearances and the struggle for land
About
Dorsan ar n' eachdraidh, ar n' inntinn, ar cultar, ar tìr, ar dìon, ar fàgail, ar tilleadh
Doors of our histories, our minds, our culture, our place, our protection, our leavings
An extract from Dòmhnall U. MacGilleMhoire's reflections
2024 marked 100 years since the resettlement of Galson village. na Dorsan, a monument commissioned by Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn, in collaboration with Airidhantuim Community Council, Comunn Eachdraidh Nis, and Galson Grazing Committee, designed by artists Will Maclean and Marian Leven and stonework by Chris Barrowman, in South Galson, was erected to commemorate the following significant events in the history of Galson:
1863
The community of Galson is cleared to make room for a sheep farm.
1888
Galson is raided by a large group and four men, Malcolm Smith, Malcolm Saunders, Malcolm Maciver and John Nicolson, are later arrested.
1924
Galson township is resettled. 52 families found new homes in Melbost, South Galson, and North Galson. People, who had scattered across the land, hailing from Dell, Borve, Shader, Carloway, Fivepenny Ness and further afield, were able to make their home in Galson, after clamouring for the land of their forebears, dispossessed eighty years prior, for several decades, punctuated by the significant confrontations.
2007
The estate passed into community ownership on 12 January 2007, to be managed on their behalf by Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn.
It is hoped that the new monument will serve as a poignant space for reflection on the community's shared history, as well as allow visitors to immerse themselves in the local landscape.
The 1924 establishment of the Galson community was seen as a homecoming, with many families having hailed from Dell, Borve, Shader, Carloway, and Fivepenny Ness, as well as further afield. In the hundred years since, community ownership has become a firm part of the area's identity, with UOG established in 2007 to manage the Galson Estate on the community's behalf.
The official opening ceremony of the monument, and accompanying exhibition at Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn, was held on 1st November 2024.
Juliette Desportes, a PhD student at University of Glasgow, undertook a three-month internship with Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn, researching the history of Galson Estate and the lead-up to the re-settlement of the townships. In her time with us, Juliette wrote a series of blog posts, named 'Archival Stories', detailing the history of Galson, which you can read by clicking the button below.
The name na Dorsan, Scottish Gaelic for doors, was devised by Dòmhnall U. MacGilleMhoire. He said:
"Plana inntinneach agus iomchaidh.
Beàrnan anns na ballachan-
fàilteachadh, gluasad sluaigh,
ionnsachadh, cuimhne, sùil a-mach, sùil
a-steach, fosgladh don inntinn, fosgladh
gu fasgadh, ac'chlach, an talamh, an tìr,
na daoine.
na Dorsan"
"A spirited and appropriate plan.
Openings in walls, welcoming, social
shifts, learnings, memories, eyes out,
eyes in, openings for mind, openings to
shelter, stone, the earth, the place, the people.
na Dorsan."
Dòmhnall U. MacGilleMhoire's speech from the official opening of na Dorsan, 1st November 2024
The building of na Dorsan
na Dorsan is a monument that commemorates a century of transformation and celebrates the unity of a resilient community. Unveiled on November 1st, 2024, it stands as a testament to the strength of the people of the Galson township on the Isle of Lewis, and their enduring commitment to reclaiming their home.
The name na Dorsan, Gaelic for "the doors," evokes imagery of new beginnings and community renewal. The monument, designed by renowned artists Will Maclean and Marian Leven (pictured on the right), reflects the determined spirit of the people who, after being forcibly cleared from their land in 1863 to make way for a sheep farm, were able to return in 1924, when 52 families found new homes in Melbost, South Galson, and North Galson. The story of Galson’s transformation is not just about a physical resettlement, but about the reclaiming of identity, culture, and shared history.
The monument’s design, a circular structure, on the moorland, symbolises unity, offering a sense of safety and belonging. The three doorways facing north, south, and east invite locals and visitors from all directions. The round central structure, engraved with the names of the four men arrested in 1888 after the Galson Farm raid and the villages of the township, is reminiscent of a table around which families gather - reminding us that this is not just a memorial to the past but a celebration of the present and the future.
The opening on the seaward side is particularly poignant, looking over the horizon to remind us of the vision and adventure embarked upon in 1924. na Dorsan is not merely a place of remembrance, but one of reflection - providing a quiet space for those who visit to ponder the challenges of the past and recognise the sacrifices made by those before us, allowing the current community to be in the position that we find ourselves in now; living and working in a thriving community-owned estate.
The materials used in the monument carry significant meaning. Stone from old dwellings, once the homes of those who came before, was repurposed to form na Dorsan. This fusion of past and present gives the monument a living quality, reminding visitors that the stories of the past live on in the community today.
Maclean and Leven’s work on na Dorsan builds upon their prior accomplishments, such as their designs for the Iolaire and Sùileachan monuments, which similarly reflect the themes of remembrance, loss, and resilience. Their artistry is marked by a sensitivity to place and history; honouring community and identity through meaningful, thought-provoking yet peaceful design, utilising lasting materials from the surrounding environment.
na Dorsan stands as a beacon of pride for the people of Galson. This monument is a testament to the power of community, the strength of collective action, and the hope that doors, once closed, can always open again.
To accompany the monument in South Galson, there is an exhibition at the Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn Business Centre, which delves into the history of Galson, offering an insight into the events which unfolded.
The exhibition is open from Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm, and anyone is welcome to come and visit the exhibition. You can walk up to the monument at any time!
Location:
Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn Business Centre, Tom na Bà, South Galson,
Isle of Lewis, HS2 0SH
Archive
We have been very fortunate to access a variety of fascinating documents, letters, and photographs to support the exhibition. Click on the images below to find out more
Poetry
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Iain Greumach mac Mhicheil Thormoid (John Graham, son of Michael Norman), formerly of 1 New Galson, wrote this poem about the hardships of the clearances, after he and his wife, Mary, with 3 children under the age of 5, were evicted in April 1863, along with the remaining tenants of Galson. But even in Canada he had little respite: he was summoned to appear at court in Montreal because of what he had said in the poem. He agreed that he would plead guilty if anyone could point out the lies in his poem; nobody could, and he was let off with only a warning. He died of homesickness in Canada, leaving behind his wife and 7 children.*
*The Changing Outer Hebrides - Galson and the meaning of place, Frank Rennie.
na Dorsan official launch - 1st November 2024
Photo credit SandiePhotos
Partners & funders
We are very grateful to all the organisations and individuals who helped to make this project possible, either through their expertise and knowledge:
Will Maclean and Marian Leven, Chris Barrowman, Galson Grazings Committee, Airidhantuim Community Council, North Construction, Dolina Macleod, Juliette Desportes, Dòmhnall U MacGilleMhoire, Norse Stone, Stornoway Trust, Bhaltos Estate Trust, Comunn Eachdraidh Nis, Pearse O'Halloran and the volunteer drystone wallers.
Thank you to The Gordon & Ena Baxter Foundation for providing additional funding to support the building of the monument.
A’ Tilleadh Dhachaigh
A’ Tilleadh Dhachaigh tells the story of a family returning to Galson, and explores the contrast between the life of a young girl from Galson Estate in 2024 and the experiences of her ancestors who resettled here in 1924. The film was shortlisted for Best Cultural Film at the 2025 Film G Awards.