Lorg na Còigich – “The Footprint of Coigach”

When Coigach crofters faced eviction in 1852, the people, led by the women, successfully resisted five attempts to remove them from the land. That courageous stand—one of the Highlands’ first successful resistances to clearance—echoed across Scotland and beyond, yet there is no physical commemoration of their stand.

We’re about to change that. Internationally acclaimed local artists Will Maclean RSA and Marian Leven RSA have designed a landmark monument for the slope above Acheninver, near Achiltibuie:

Central standing stones will be encircled by walls sourced from the local ruins

Pathways and seating so everyone—from schoolchildren to hill-walkers—can pause and reflect

Touches of granite, slate and bronze highlighting key moments in the story

Every stone will honour the women and men who defied injustice; every visitor will leave knowing their story.

The legal process of transferring ownership of the site from the Scottish Wildlife Trust to Coigach Heritage has taken much, much longer than expected. Hopefully, the lawyers are nearly there, although the delay has added to our overall costs.

Meanwhile, a lot has been happening in the background. We have now raised about 85% of the fundraising target, and we are working to bridge the remaining gap of about £20,000 with a view to commencing work in autumn. Planning permission has been granted. We’re already in discussions with stonemasons and contractors, and are awaiting final drawings from the structural engineer.

The incredible standing stones, which will symbolise the community and the women who resisted evictions, have been found locally after an extensive search of hillsides and shorelines.

When the total is reached, work begins at once—opening is planned for spring 2026.

Will you lift a stone with us? Click “Donate” to add your name—and your gift—to a living monument that will stand testament to the courage of those past. Tapadh leat, and thank you for helping keep Coigach’s heritage alive.