GalGael Trust
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GalGael Trust has become a well known landmark on Scotland's community regeneration landscape.
Based in Govan, Glasgow, near to the River Clyde, once known around the world for its shipbuilding. They have become best known for building and sailing wooden boats in celebration of Scotland's heritage. These and other ventures provide a focal point for community events.
GalGael boats take people along Glasgow’s River Clyde out to the West Coast - allowing urban dwellers to experience nearby scenic beauty and expand their sense of territory.
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[edit] Origins
In the mid ‘90’s, a group of disenfranchised people, inspired by Glasgow man Colin Macleod, founded GalGaelin in Govan, Glasgow to restore a sense of "belonging" to the community.
The phrase originates from a term used to describe the 9th Century Norse who had become intermingled with parts of Celtic Scotland, known as the GalGael from the words "Gall", meaning foreigner, and "Gael", meaning native. The GalGael Trust therefore stands for the principle of integrating old ways and new ways, the insider and the outsider, so that traditional culture can be transmitted in a way that is ethnically inclusive.
[edit] Chieftain
In November 2005, GalGael was devastated when they lost their inspirational founder and chieftain, Colin Macleod. In eulogies from across Scotland and round the world, he was described as a poet, prophet and a warrior. Colin dared to believe he could make a difference. Armed with the most meagre of resources - a hut and a few chisels and a couple of giros, he and few volunteers started GalGael with a belief in the “buoyancy of the human soul” through which ordinary people rise above adversity to create beauty in a landscape of poverty and hopelessness. His sudden passing was such a devastating event for so many; Tam at GalGael said "we all still feel his presence guides us every day and we strive to the best of our ability to uphold everything he stood for and to uphold the legacy he has left in the form of GalGael". GalGael's continuation is the most fitting memorial to his life’s work.
See *More on Colin Macleod's life & passing
[edit] See also
- Alastair McIntosh Author, a founding director & current Treasurer of GalGael
