na Dorsan is only Scottish shortlisted entry for prestigious UK sculpture award!

na Dorsan, which commemorates the resilience of an island community, has been named as the only Scottish finalist in a prestigious UK-wide public sculpture award. na Dorsan in South Galson is one of only five UK sculptures to have made the shortlist for a PSSA Marsh Award for Excellence in Public Sculpture.

na Dorsan, which means “the doors” in Scottish Gaelic, 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 monument was commissioned by Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn and designed by renowned Scottish artists Will Maclean and Marian Leven. It 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 Public Statues and Sculpture Association (PSSA) champions the historical, artistic and social context of public statues and sculpture, and The Marsh Award is decided on by a judging panel made up of practitioners, academics, conservators, art critics and sculpture specialists knowledgeable in the fields of public sculpture, fountains and conservation. The public also have the opportunity to vote for the shortlisted entries for the most popular new sculpture in the 2025 Marsh Award for Excellence in Public Sculpture.

na Dorsan is shortlisted alongside Looping Boat (The Industry) by Alex Chinneck (Sheffield & Tinsley Canal), Alluvia by Jason de Caires Taylor (Canterbury), Know Not Your Place in the World by Ryan Gander  (London) and Ribbons by Pippa Hale (Leeds).

Will Maclean commented: “It was wonderful to work on na Dorsan. Our idea was to create a monument which reflected the re-establishment of the Galson village, using the symbolism of the doorway to represent the homes and the welcome which are at the heart of this community. It has been a source of pride and satisfaction to see the concept of na Dorsan come to fruition and it is a privilege to have our work recognised in the PSSA Marsh Award for Excellence in Public Sculpture this year.

“We hope that 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.”

Agnes Rennie, Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn chairperson, added: “Will and Marian’s work on na Dorsan builds on their prior accomplishments, such as their designs for the Iolaire and Sùileachan monuments in Lewis, 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.”

Voting for the shortlist is now open to the public and closes on Sunday 5^th October. View the shortlisted sculptures and cast your vote here: https://pssauk.org/2025-pssa-marsh-award-shortlist-for-excellence-in-public-sculpture/

All images by Ralph Tonge Photography