Lorg na Còigich
A stunning new art installation to commemorate the successful land struggles of the 1850s
A public art installation by internationally acclaimed local artists Will Maclean and Marian Leven is planned to commemorate the events of 1852/3 when the people of Coigach successfully resisted the serving of summons to remove from their land. Over a period of 18 months, the sheriff’s officers came five times with the dreaded ‘summons of removing’ and five times they were dispatched, suffering varying degrees of indignity.
Artist’s impression of the sculpture by Marian Leven RSA
Location of the sculpture at Acheninver
Location of the sculpture at Acheninver
The events were remarkable not least because the rebellion was often led by local women. A successful community resistance against a landlord was almost unprecedented in Highland history and attracted national media attention. The Coigach people were described as early heroes of the developing land wars that eventually led to the Napier Commission and the Crofting Act of 1886.
It is a remarkable story lost through time and now to be celebrated through a magnificent sculpture. You can download a short presentation to learn a little more about the story, characters involved, and the artists’ vision here.
We are in the first phase of this exciting project with much to do and funds to raise. If you would like to donate, please email coigach.heritage@gmail.com or visit our campaign page on Just Giving
Artists Will Maclean RSA and Marian Leven RSA have designed the landmark monument to be set on the hillside above Acheninver. Central standing stones will be encircled by walls sourced from local ruins with pathways and seating. Granite, slate and bronze highlight other elements of the story. Every stone will symbolise the women and men who made a stand against injustice.
‘The events at Coigach became the best known of the rare triumphs of the people over the landlord'
Eric Richards, The Highland Clearances (2016)
Marian and Will discuss the plans on site March 2023.
Book references include
Cromartie: Highland Life, 1650-1914 Eric Richards and Monica Clough
The Highland Clearances. Eric Richards
Peoples & Settlements in North-West Ross 1994, Edited by John R Baldwin
Summons of Removing
Source: The Cromartie Estate Papers, National Records of Scotland.
II
Summons of Removing
The Marchioness & Marquess
of Stafford
Agt
John Macleod
& others
1852
G. Mackenzie
You can read a transcription of the Summons of Removing here
