SIGNIFICANT MILESTONES
Tachartasan sònraichte
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Our 15 Year Anniversary
Còig Deug Bliadhna
On Thursday 3rd March 2022, the board and staff of Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn (Galson Estate Trust) welcomed Kate Forbes, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Economy, as principle guest at the official opening of its business centre in South Galson, Isle of Lewis.
The opening forms part of a series of events planned across the year for Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn, commemorating the fifteenth anniversary of the Galson Estate community buyout.  At the event, Kate Forbes MSP, gave an address, as well as unveiling a special fifteenth anniversary tapestry commissioned for the year.  The wall hanging has been designed and produced by local artist Alison Macleod who created the commemorative piece to replace her original artwork lost in the fire.
Our 15 Year Anniversary
Our 10 Year Anniversary
Deich Bliadhna
In 2017, the community celebrated the 10th anniversary of the community buy-out of the Galson Estate, an important milestone, but also a point for everyone coming together to "look ahead" or "Coimhead Romhainn". As a community we participated in a series of events and activities which celebrated, but also captured the contemporary face of our rural community. We endeavour to work together to celebrate all that is unique, versatile and vibrant within the community and seek to capture this through a number of events celebrating the language, music, environment, rich culture and heritage, food and drink, but mostly celebrating the people who make up the communities of the estate.
As part of the 10 year anniversary, a flexible strategic planning document was produced for 2017-2037 for the Urras to look ahead to plan and build a sustainable future for the communities of the Galson Estate. Click here to view the plan and please get in touch with any comments you have regarding the plan.
Our 10 Year Anniversary
Ballantrushal Wind Energy Project - Up and running
Crainn-ghaoithe Bhail' an Truiseil
Renewable energy was identified as a key driver for long-term sustainability for the Galson Estate in the early stage of its community buy-out process. After a long process starting in 2005, one turbine was installed in autumn 2013 and two additional turbines were installed in summer 2015.
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The net profits from the three Enercon 900kw wind turbines are distributed to the community of the Galson Estate through our Community Investment Fund, a great asset for the people of this community.
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For more information please visit the Urras Energy Society Website.
Ballantrushal Wind Energy Project - Up and running
Fifth Anniversary Celebrations
Còig Bliadhna
Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn celebrated the 5th anniversary of the buyout on 12th January 2012. An event was held soon afterwards to mark the occasion and also to celebrate the official opening of the new business centre.
Pictured; Agnes Rennie (Chair of Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn) and Stewart Stevenson, MSP, Minister for Environment and Climate Change, unveiling the 5th Anniversary Harris Tweed wall hanging at the event.
You can see more photos of the event by clicking on this link below:
Fifth Anniversary Celebrations
Galson's Day of Celebration
Latha Mòr Ghabhsainn
“On this day 12th January 2007 the people of Galson Estate took ownership of their land”
Friday 12th of January 2007 will be remembered as an historic day for the community of Galson Estate. On this day, the 56,000 acre estate passed into community ownership, to be managed on their behalf by Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn.
A full programme of events was planned for 12th January and the day was chosen to symbolise the start of a new year and a new era for the community. The celebrations began at 2pm at Galson Farm; a location closely associated with the tumultuous events of the 19th Century in this area. Over 100 people gathered in the yard, despite the storm, to witness this momentous occasion and when the pipes skirled a loud cheer went out to acknowledge the land now belonged to the people.
A commemorative stone was then unveiled by Donald MacLeod, one of UOG’s oldest members, and the youngest member, Kellie Offer. The stone has now been placed at the new Urras Business Centre in South Galson.