GalGael Trust

GalGael Trust is a community and heritage association located in Govan, Glasgow, Scotland, near the River Clyde. It works with recovering drug addicts and alcoholics, people suffering from mental-health problems and the long-term unemployed.[1] According to a volunteer, "GalGael gives you the opportunity to open up a wee bit without all the pressure.”[2]

The trust is best known for building and sailing wooden boats in celebration of Scotland's heritage.[3]

Origins

GalGael was founded in the mid-1990s by Gehan and Colin Macleod, following the protests against the building of the M77 through Pollok Country Park.[3]

The phrase "GalGael" comes from 9th-century Norsemen, who mingled with native Celts; gall meant "foreigner", and gael meant "native".

Boat Building

Trees blown down in a storm were collected for carving and boat-building. GalGael built first a model of a birlinn and then a 30 foot long boat called Orcuan.[4] The birlinn was launched on the Clyde by the Deputy Social Justice Minister for Scotland and then sailed to the island of Eigg. The following year the Orcuan sailed to Ireland.[4]

Other projects

GalGael is also involved with the restoration of Barmaddy Farm in Argyll.[1]

References
  1. "Port in a storm". The Scotsman. 21 December 2007. Retrieved 25 March 2019.
  2. "Insight: What tips men over the edge of despair?". The Scotsman. 26 May 2018. Retrieved 25 March 2019.
  3. Stewart-Robertson, Tristan (22 October 2014). "The Galgael Trust is saving Glasgow's boat building skills as well as lives near the Clyde". Daily Record. Retrieved 25 March 2019.
  4. Murray, Glen (12 November 2005). "Obituary: Colin Macleod". Independent. Retrieved 25 March 2019.
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