A striking monument on a Scottish island has been handed one of the most prestigious arts awards in the UK.
Designed by acclaimed sculptors and artists Will Maclean and Marian Leven, the structure on the Isle of Lewis was the only Scottish entry shortlisted for this year’s Marsh Award for Excellence in Public Sculpture from the Public Statues and Sculpture Association (PSSA).
na Dorsan was presented with the honour by PSSA President, His Royal Highness HRH The Duke of Gloucester at a ceremony in London on Tuesday evening.
The monument was erected to commemorate 100 years since the resettlement of Galson village after it was cleared in 1863.
na Dorsan was made to commemorate 100 years since the resettlement of Galson village(Image: Ralph Tonge)
Isle of Lewis monument wins one of the most prestigious arts awards in the UK
Discussing the award, designer Will Maclean said they are “greatly honoured” to have been awarded the title.
He added that the other four sculptures on the shortlist were also of outstanding quality and creativity.
The Marsh Award is decided on by a judging panel made up of practitioners, academics, conservators, art critics and sculpture specialists.
Highlighting why the Scottish monument was picked for the award, 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.”
Meaning “the doors” in Scottish Gaelic, na Dorsan was unveiled in 2024 after being commissioned by Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn (Galson Estate Trust).
Jemma MacVicar, executive manager, Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn, said that since being unveiled a year ago, na Dorsan has been a “beacon of pride” for the people of Galson.
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They added that this award is a “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, is said to stand proudly with other Lewis monuments such as the Iolaire and Sùileachan.
na Dorsan was shortlisted alongside other sites like Looping Boat (The Industry) by Alex Chinneck and Alluvia by Jason de Caires Taylor.
