GalGael Trust

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GalGael have become a well known landmark on Scotland's community regeneration landscape. During those years they have built a growing reputation for making a real difference to many who struggle with the challenges of today’s modern culture which leaves so many people marginalized, isolated, disempowered and disenfranchised.

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 around which a whole number of community benefits can unfurl, including motivational learning opportunities that enrich people's lives and improve earning potential.

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. In this way vision, nourishment and hope are being brought back to the city we live in.

Contents 1 Origins 2 Chieftain 3 See also 4 External links

[edit] Origins

In the mid ‘90’s, a group of disenfranchised people, inspired by Glasgow man Colin Macleod, set about trying to re-establish a sense of ‘people-hood’ and ‘belonging’ and this led to the founding of GalGael. Since that time we have been busy developing a unique approach. You could say we’re a visionary group with some big ideas. But more importantly we take a doggedly practical approach to things and recognise that we have to start small – to start somewhere. And that somewhere is Govan, Glasgow - where we are based.

By the 9th Century, the Norse had so intermingled with parts of Celtic Scotland that they became known as the GalGael - the "Gall" being the foreigner, and the "Gael" being the original heartland Celtic people. 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 we lost our 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

[edit] External links

• The GalGael Website
• GalGael updates at City Strolls
• Photo Gallery
• Photos from Glasgow River Festival 2006