The monument was the only Scottish entry shortlisted for this year’s award.
The honour was presented by PSSA President, His Royal Highness HRH The Duke of Gloucester at a ceremony in London on Tuesday evening.
Will Maclean commented: ‘We are greatly honoured to have been awarded the PSSA Marsh Award for Excellence in Public Sculpture. The other four sculptures on the shortlist were of outstanding quality and creativity. The Galson community who commissioned us join us in thanking the judges. It is important that the visual arts are brought into the public domain and the PSSA Marsh Awards are at the forefront of this.”
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.
Joanna Barnes, co-chair of Public Statues and Sculpture Association, said: “na Dorsan is an excellent example of public sculpture, an historic marker, which reflects the travails of the island’s past community, but also looks to the future as a place of meeting and celebration. Situated in a stunningly beautiful location, it is a well-conceived sculpture with exquisitely crafted dry stone walling. The people of Lewis can be proud of this prestigious award, which will inspire others to visit this outstanding work.”
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, which was commissioned by Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn (Galson Estate Trust), 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.
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New monument commemorates resettlement of island township 100 years ago
Monument to commemorate resettlement of island township 100 years ago
The story of Galson’s transformation is not just about a physical resettlement, but about the reclaiming of identity, culture, and shared history.
Jemma MacVicar, Executive Manager, Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn, added: “Since being unveiled a year ago, na Dorsan has been a beacon of pride for the people of Galson and this award is testament to the meaningful and thought-provoking design which Will and Marian came up with.
“na Dorsan, which was expertly crafted by local drystone waller, Chris Barrowman, stands proudly alongside other Lewis monuments such as the Iolaire and Sùileachan, also designed by Will and Marian, and is a place for deep reflection and inspiration.
“The recognition of na Dorsan by the PSSA Marsh Award highlights the power of public art to honour local heritage while inspiring national recognition.”
na Dorsan was 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).
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 to Friday, 9am to 5pm, however you can walk up to the monument, which is located behind the Business Centre, at any time.
