Windfarm To Be Build On The Graves Of Clansmen

Campaigners warn that a community windfarm on Galson estate is being built by the site of a historic graveyard.

They say that bodies lie below the ground where three turbines are due to be erected.

Now a petition has been launched in an attempt to stop the digging up of graves and rival clans are being urged to support the cause.

Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn has been granted planning permission to build on the site - but protestors point out that local oral history record the area north of Barvas as the site of the last clan battle on Lewis.

Around 1654, the Macaulays of Uig raided the cattle of the Morrisons in Ness. They made their escape only as as far as Barvas. The two sides fought and many died on the moor. The burial site at Druim nan Carnan - Ridge of the Cairns is apparently named after the stone mounds originally erected to mark the graves .

Spokesman Murdo Morrison said: 'Those who were killed were laid to their eternal rest in this area, and the cairns marked where they were buried.

'The cairns are no longer visible, unfortunately, possibly having collapsed or - according to one local source - removed by workmen constructing the main road from Ness to Stornoway.

He added: The local authority, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (CnES) has consented this windfarm, despite stating that ...'Ground-disturbing excavations associated with the proposed development could have an adverse effect on any unrecorded buried archaeological remains present in the affected areas ... the CnES Archaeologist has indicated that the archaeological potential of the area is moderate to high.'

He said: 'It is therefore now all important that there should be joint Clan opposition to the high probability of excavators ripping up the land, desecrating the area, and throwing out the bones of our forefathers.

'Behind this dreadful plan are people, islanders amongst them, who are putting aside any affinity with our genuine history - and their own as well.

'There is no need for such a development in this location. Everyone who accepts and respects history and tradition, be they Morrison or Macaulay, or indeed any sensitive person of Lewis ancestry, must surely register a strong protest against this awful scheme and fight once more, but together this time, against an all-too-real modern foe.

'Surely our joint Clans have no option other than to take action.

'Our ancestors, and our history, deserve our loyal support. Leaving this appeal to others is turning our backs on the story of our Clans.

'We can be proud of our present, as we are proud of our past, and our views must be listened to.

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/Druim/

signed alison thanks for bringing this to our attention

It is a serious issue that they can just destroy our history for a profit and they have no respect for the dead.

Alison, I would like to ask a wee bit more before signing your petition. I agree that graves should not be desssecrated without a genuine reason, but I also think wind farms are needed too, so how much damage will be caused by digging the graves up? I don't mean to belittle the site, but without being rude, I want to ask, is the site of real historical value? Are there things we can learn from researching these graves or is it just a bunch of old bones that not too many folk would bother about since it's so long in the past? Are there artifacts and treasures, or even some of the clothing and tools left behind, and if the cairns were damaged so badly by the motorway, is there anything left for saving?

I don't live in Scotland so it's not my place to say build or not build. But one thing that comes to mind in this situation is how the heartless acts of a few can affect many people. The same thing happened here in the US in the 1940's when the Federal Government decided to build the Grand Coulee Dam in Washington State. There were several burial sites that were in the flood area behind the dam. These sites were all indian tribal grounds that were set aside for the indian tribes in the treaties back in the 1800's. The treaty gave the indians the right to do whatever they wanted within the boundaries of the reservation. This property was set up as federally protected property and the tribes were also entitled to be an independent nation. That lasted about 50 years. The government marched in and told the tribal elders that they were going to flood the valley and they are going to dig up all the bodies and relocate them. They didn't have a choice or a say in the matter.

I don't think this is right in any way, even if there are only a very few people involved. These sites are sacred to someone and shouldn't be disturbed. What would people say if they decided to build one of these in a modern cemetery?

the site is a local historical site and the locals are set against it. A bag of old bones may mean nothing to some people but it is a burial site and no-one should be bulding anything on it.

When re developments take place and unmarked graves are located it is far better to re locate the burials and mark the site properly in my view . This has been done with great success at Culloden moor.

The Highland Council's "Highland Environmental Record" has no record of a burial ground at the site of the proposed wind farm.

From the Stornoway Gazette -

"A petition is being circulated around the world opposing plans to erect three turbines on an area north of Barvas where it is believed the last battle between Lewis clans took place.
It is claimed the Morrisons and the Macaulays were engaged in battle on the moorland at Druim nan Carnan around 1654 and members of the Clans are up in arms that the area could be desecrated with the erection of a wind turbine.
Councillors have unanimously approved an application by the Galson Trust to construct a wind energy project at Upper Barvas which would have a total maximum generating capacity of 2.7mw, with ancillary development including access tracks, underground cables, crane hard standings and a site control building at Loch Sminig at Barvas.
However, there were a number of objectors to the Comhairle at the time.
Said one: 'Recorded and published historical information indicated Druim nan Carnan is the burial site of an unknown number of the slain defeated clan members of the warring Morrisons of Ness and the Macaulays of Uig.'
It was also stated: 'Human remains are very possibly preserved at this site.'
Chair of the Galson Trust, Agnes Rennie said this week: 'We are aware that the site, like many sites throughout the area, have a cultural significance of one kind or another. We took advice from archaeologists and others before submitting the planning applications.
'The site itself is a site that has been skinned of peat and the specific location of the turbine has very little cover of soil or peat. The access from the main road is very short and will be over the line of an existing peat road.'
She added: 'As with the other community projects which received planning consent from the Comhairle at the same time, it is a planning condition for all the community projects that an archaeologist be present at the site when any groundworks are taking place.'
Alasdair Smith, a seaman from Upper Shader, said that there were four sites in the area which tradition had stated were the sites of the last Clan battle between the Morrisons and the Macaulays – two at Shader and one each at Barvas and Brue.
He said that crofters had been extracting peat from the area proposed for the wind turbine for generations without finding anything, and he felt the present protest was a ‘red herring'.
'They have cut down to the hard and nothing was found so it is very unlikely that there is anything buried there. I think if there was anything, it would have been found over the years. If people thought there were graves there, they wouldn't have cut their peats at that location. The subject was never brought up when they were cutting peats or putting up electricity poles there,' he added.
The organisers of the petition say that for over 300 years, the Macaulays and the Morrisons had been at peace and that situation was likely to continue.
'There is now arising, however, a serious matter of high priority to all clansfolk, and an urgent need for a united front against a common enemy.
'This enemy is in the shape of a plan to erect up to three massive wind turbines on an area which has a most important place in our mutual history – Druim nan Carnan – ‘The Ridge of the Cairns', which is situated just north of Barvas. Here, on the moorland, was fought a great battle between our Clans, c1654, reportedly the last battle between clans on Lewis.'
They go on: 'Those who were killed were laid to their eternal rest in this area, and the cairns marked where they were buried. The cairns are no longer visible, unfortunately, possibly having collapsed or – according to one local source – removed by workmen constructing the main road from Ness to Stornoway.'
The petitioners say it is important that there should be joint Clan opposition to ‘the high probability of excavators ripping up the land, desecrating the area, and throwing out the bones of our forefathers.'
They point out that they are not against renewable energy, but do not want it on this particular part of Lewis.
They conclude: 'Our ancestors, and our history, deserve our loyal support. Leaving this appeal to others is turning our backs on the story of our Clans. We can be proud of our present, as we are proud of our past, and our views must be listened to.
'Please take the time to fill in the petition. Please circulate this to others to help us in our common cause. http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/Druim?e'
Donald Macaulay of Lewis Street — originally from Bernera and now retired from his police career in Dunbartonshire — said: 'Apart from the historical view, it is unethical and not Christian to dig up where they know people were buried. It is desecration of graves and a serious offence in international law as well as British law.'
He referred to the archaeological point of view in the Comhairle's report.
'Despite the fact that the archaeologist who examined the site and reported there was a fairly high historical interest, it is surprising that the planning authority gave permission without taking cognisance of this report.
'There hasn't been a detailed archaeological survey done, so nobody is sure where these graves are.'
He added: 'Apart from disturbing the living, they are planning to disturb the dead.'
Member of the Hebridean Environment and Landscape Projection Society, Murdo Morrison of Bragar, now living in Wishaw, said this week: 'The Morrisons, like the Macaulays, regard this issue as a travesty. This is not an argument for or against wind turbines, but it is an argument for or against desecration for what is probably a place where there are graves.'
He pointed out that since the petition was started a few days ago there had been a number of responses.
Said one response from Minnesota: 'All the best of luck with getting proper siting of the wind turbines. We are a farming community that is in complete disruption due to heavy development by wind turbines. It is too bad that it will take a few years to realize we are creating junk yards.'
Said another from America: 'Surely there are other locations that are not so historically (or scenically) significant! To desecrate such a place is unconscionable.'
A Scottish resident stated: 'I am not a Macaulay or Morrison and I have no affinity with Lewis. However, to plant three turbines on such a historic site is insensitive and completely mercenary. According to its website, Galson Estate has 56,000 acres. Surely a less contentious site could have been found.'
The closing date for signing the petition is June 20.
Said the report before the Comhairle on the archaeological aspect: 'Ground-disturbing excavations associated with the proposed development could have an adverse effect on any unrecorded buried archaeological remains present in the affected areas.
'The Environmental Statement states that the CnES archaeologist has indicated that the archaeological potential of the area is moderate to high. However, the field survey for this project found that the areas where proposed development features would be sited have been extensively exploited for peat extraction.
'The Environmental Statement argues that given the proposed access track to the turbines would utilise existing tracks and that the turbines are to be sited in areas significantly disturbed by peat extraction, the probability of the development works e

Last paragraph was 'cut off' by Scotster - posting too long! It reads :

'The Environmental Statement argues that given the proposed access track to the turbines would utilise existing tracks and that the turbines are to be sited in areas significantly disturbed by peat extraction, the probability of the development works encountering sites or features of archaeological significance is judged to be low.'

By Donnie Macinnes
Stornoway Gazette
4 June 2009

We have the same problems here with the proposed pylons through Sheriffmuir.

If the locals oppose it, it shouldn't happen. Signed.

Thanks Richard for bringing the facts to this topic as reported on the local news..
so thats it, no graves, no problem, the petition is well meant but no longer relavent.

'The Environmental Statement argues that given the proposed access track to the turbines would utilise existing tracks and that the turbines are to be sited in areas significantly disturbed by peat extraction, the probability of the development works encountering sites or features of archaeological significance is judged to be low.'

By Donnie Macinnes
Stornoway Gazette
4 June 2009

quickfind:weebitdaft > "I don't think this is right in any way, even if there are only a very few people involved. These sites are sacred to someone and shouldn't be disturbed. What would people say if they decided to build one of these in a modern cemetery?"

I just thought this was very appropriate to the topic :
Re: Add your favourite poems for us to share
from Lori W: Karaoke Presenting Biker from Glasgow (lorisupertalent) on Fri 15/05/09 16:00 This is a letter written to the President of the United States in 1854, by Cheif Seathlle of the Suwamish tribe of the Stae of Washington, regarding the proposed purchase of the tribe's land:

The Great Cheif in Washington sends word that he wishes to buy our land. The Great Cheif also sends us words of freindship and good will. This is kind of him, since we know that he has little need of our freindship in return. But we will consider his offer, for we know that if we do not do so, the white man may come with guns and take our land. What Cheif Seathlle says, the Great Cheif in Washington can count on as truly as our white brothers can count on the return of the seasons. My words are like the stars-they do not set.

How can you buy or sell the sky-the warmth of the land? The idea is strange to us. For we do not own the freshness of the air or the sparkle of the water. How can you buy them from us? We will decide in our time. Every part of this Earth is sacred to my people. Every shining pine needle, every sandy shore, every mist in the dark woods, every clearing and humming insect is holy in our memory and experience of my people.

We know that the white man does not understand our ways. One portion of the land is the same to him as the next, for he is a stranger who comes in the night and takes from the land whatever he needs. The Earth is not his brother, but his enemy, and when he has conquered it, he moves on. He leaves his fathers' graves behind and he does not care. He kidnaps the Earth from his children. He does not care. His fathers' graves and his childrens' birthright are forgotten. His appetite will devour the Earth and leave behind only a desert. The sight of your cities pains the eyes of the redman. But perhaps it is because the redman is a savage and does not understand.

There is no queit place in the white man's cities. No place to hear the leaves of Spring or the rustle of insect wings. But perhaps because I am a savage and do not understand-the clatter only seems to insult the ears. And what is there to life if a man cannot hear the lovely cry of the whippoorwill or the arguments of the frogs around a pond at night? The Indian prefers the soft sound of the wind darting over the face of the pond, and the smell of the wind itself, cleansed by a mid-day rain, or scented with a pine. The air is precious to the redman. For all things share the same breath-the beasts, the trees, the man. The white man does not seem to notice the air he breathes. Like a man dying for many days, he is numb to the smell.

Lori,
It's kind of ironic that you would post this letter. Cheif Seathlle was the chief of one of the west coasts strongest tribes in the 1800's. This tribe today is all but gone from the face of the earth in comparison to when this letter was written. He states in his letter that the sight of the white mans cities pains the eyes of the redman. The largest city in Washington State is named after this chief (Seattle). Also, everything that he wrote about the whiteman (in US standards) is pretty much the truth, then and now.

I was puzzled about the style of the speech provided by Lori and had a look around the internet. I came across this article which ends by saying that there is no proof that the Chief made this speech.And it does suggest who actually wrote the speech.
The article is in itself interesting because it relates a lot of the background to the dealings of the tribes with the Govt at the time.
http://www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/1985/spring/chief-seattle.html

quickfind:scotaviaflyer > "I was puzzled about the style of the speech provided by Lori and had a look around the internet. I came across this article which ends by saying that there is no proof that the Chief made this speech.And it does suggest who actually wrote the speech.
The article is in itself interesting because it relates a lot of the background to the dealings of the tribes with the Govt at the time.
http://www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/1985/spring/chief-seattle.html"

Gary, having read your article, I may agree that it could possibly be a bit contentious, but no matter, the point is the words of the speech, wherever or whoever wrote them. If, like the Bible, it has been lost in translation, or different authors attributed to it, and words changed here and there, the gist of the meaning is not lost. We can still agree with most of the speech in reference to the subject in hand on this forum. I saw no reason to dispute the fact that he did at least write most or a part of this text, because as it said in the link you gave, there were records of it at one time, now lost, and there are other letters to other people in the same manner written by him on the same subject. Different text, same meaning really. I just posted the text to illustrate the sentiments.

Its all fascinating Lori, and you highlighted an area of history that I had never looked at.
Given the heading of this topic I would find it impossible to believe that any responsible company in the Uk would in the present day knowingly build on top of graves. Site investigation does cover archaeology and the people doing the surveys are qualified.

quickfind:scotaviaflyer > "Site investigation does cover archaeology and the people doing the surveys are qualified."

But money often speaks louder than sticking to principles - not saying that it has in this case.

I can assure you money does speak louder as Fraser said regarding the pylons at Sherrifmuir. It is well documented that there are graves there but the company couldnt care less. And just because a journo says there is nothing there it must be true eh! And who marked Fraser's comment about "If the locals dont want something then it shouldnt happen" with a cross. Surely the people who have to live with something must be taken into consideration else you are riding roughshod over everyone and quite frankly thats not on.

quickfind:crystaldawn > "And just because a journo says there is nothing there it must be true eh!"

Not a 'journo' Alison...

'The Environmental Statement states that the CnES archaeologist has indicated that the archaeological potential of the area is moderate to high. However, the field survey for this project found that the areas where proposed development features would be sited have been extensively exploited for peat extraction.

'The Environmental Statement argues that given the proposed access track to the turbines would utilise existing tracks and that the turbines are to be sited in areas significantly disturbed by peat extraction, the probability of the development works encountering sites or features of archaeological significance is judged to be low.'

Construction sites in the uk are heavily regulated and the money that speaks is the size of the fines incurred when regulations are found to be breached

Developers are involved at an early planning stage , however the actual contractors are very careful because they know that they will be liable .

If you saw the many regulations and planning requirments you might consider it a miracle that projects are completed.

In Scotland the situation is actually putting off developers who are concerned at the time taken before any actual work proceeds and they are taking the investment to aminland Europe instead.

Oops I meant Mainland Europe

If windfarms are good, WHERE can they be?

=On "unimportant landscapes" like the islands contaminated with anthrax?
=On rigs at sea?
=On tall buildings in towns (adding to traffic levels)?
=Alongside noisy but uninhabited motorways?

Graves or not.. if locals oppose it, then they should have the final say, it is their home.

Bring on the red crosses.

Is anyone commenting on this project actually part of the community it refers to - I am. This petition has caused a lot of upset in the community, those who have been cutting peats on the site for 100 years or so are deeply upset it is being implied they are desicrating graves. Many Morrisons are upset that their name is being used to pushed an anti wind groups agenda. This petition was started by a group who have used various other guises to push their agenda and all they've ended up doing is making themselves look like idiots and the response to this petition by the local community has only made them look sillier as very few have signed it (the community totals about 2000 people). The group has no real interest in the history otherwise they would have rasied their objections before the planning decision was made ( they had six months to do this) but all their other attempts failed so this was there last gasp attempt to find something to stop it. There is an awful lot of talk of - if the locals don't want it it shouldn't happen - the locals do want it and we're getting a little bit sick of outsiders passing opinion on something and somewhere they seem to know very little about!

quickfind:deleted > "There is an awful lot of talk of - if the locals don't want it it shouldn't happen - the locals do want it and we're getting a little bit sick of outsiders passing opinion on something and somewhere they seem to know very little about!":islandlass81

Well said Norma.