Marian Leven and Will Maclean, were commissioned to design a suitable monument based on their understanding of the local culture and history of the land raids in the Western Isles.
The commissioned monument has been constructed on an elevated, panoramic site in the village of Reef, with views over the surrounding land, sea and islands. The monument has been designed with two circles, connected by a walled walkway. The eastern circle has a grey, stone circular floor, inscribed with the names of the Reef Raiders. The walkway leads the visitor through an archway, designed and constructed by Jim Crawford, to the west circle, overlooking the sea and islands of West Loch Roag, symbolically linking the past to the present.
This circle has integrated seating inside and outside of the drystone walls and there is an iron fire basket to provide a beacon which will be lit at times of celebration and commemoration. Suileachan provides a setting for cultural events as well as being a place of reflection, contemplation and inspiration as it provides a panoramic view of the local area over to Pabbay Mor and also the smaller islands of West Loch Roag. The completion of this project brings together similar Hebridean communities who were involved in Na Gaisich. Suileachan describes the land struggle so that visitors to our area can learn about the impact of land ownership, past and present, on our community and understand the importance of working together to improve the future for the communities which live and work here in the 21st century.
Suileachan has been designed to celebrate island craftsmanship and skills. The land around Bhaltos is defined by old stone walls skilfully built and of a distinctive style. This is replicated in the walls of Suileachan which are constructed of stones from blackhouses in the area by an island stonemason with a knowledge of the local stonework.