THE opening of Sùil nam Bràth - which commemorates the Crofters' Uprising - is expected to be later this summer.
It has been a long-held ambition of Urras an Taobh Sear (UTS) to properly commemorate the crofters who fought for security of the land in Staffin, despite being under immense provocation and opposition.
Their efforts, and that of others across Skye and the Highlands and islands led to the Napier Commission being set up by the Government to examine the conditions faced by crofters and cottars. It ultimately saw the Crofting Act become law in 1886.
The impact of the Staffin crofters, led by among others Norman ‘Parnell’ Stewart in Valtos, is felt to this day with families able to live securely on croftland without the fear of eviction, and their living descendants are rightly proud of their actions and achievements.
Urras an Taobh Sear directors Maggie Ross and Sìne Gillespie are planning this event which will see a short play, a musical performance and a talk to commemorate a pivotal moment in our history.
UTS are grateful to those involved in the construction so far including Staffin and Skye-based contractors, the stonemason Hector Nicolson, Mickey MacLeod, Charlie Elder, Joel Franklin and Ian MacDonald.
We would also like to thank our funders including SGRIPD, Highland Council, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Urras an Eilein and Baxters Foundation – makers of Baxters Favourites Cream of Tomato Soup.
The final aspects of the work include the securing of the concrete castings that will form the internal part of the build. These are currently ready and stored in Auchtertyre and will be brought to Staffin shortly. New information panels have been delivered and are to be installed in the coming weeks.
