Mosaic Mackerel by Rosalind Wates

The giant mosaic fish sculpture was created as part of the William MacGillivray Bi-centenery celebrations in 1996. MacGillivray was brought up on the island of Harris and later went on to become a respected Natural Historian. He set up the Marischal College Museum at the University of Aberdeen which houses a fine natural History collection.

"For me it was on ideal opportunity to pursue the use of natural materials in mosaic, and to branch out and create something 3-dimensional for the first time" (R.W)

The Mosaic Mackerel is situated on the rocks just outside Taigh Chearsabhagh. The idea of a fish, and particularly a mackerel is significant as it pays homage to the death of the fishing industry in the islands and to the decline of fish in our seas.

Locally found materials were used to create the intricate mosaic work, including quartz, black basalt, blue mussel shells and worn down coloured glass. The structure of the fish consists of an aluminium frame covered with mesh and heavy duty concrete, designed to with- stand the most violent of Uist storms.

A walkway and viewing platform provide easy access and an ideal spot from which to enjoy the fish.

Rinneadh am pios obrach de iasg mor mar phairt de chuimhneachan gu robh da cheud bliadhna bho rugadh Uilleam MacGillebhrath.
Thogadh e anns na Hearadh agus chaidh e do dh'Oilthigh Obair-Dheathain. Is ea' steidhich an Taigh- Tasgaidh ann an Colaisde Mhariscal far am bheil eachdraidh eolais-naduir ri fhaicinn.

High Tide, Low Tide by Christine Boshier

This sculpture by artist Christine Boshier was created as part of Scotland's Year of the Artist 2000. It was also one of the artworks commissioned in conjunction with the building extension project at Taigh Chearsabhagh.

In the 17th century Lochmaddy was a centre for herring fishing where fish were landed, packed in salt barrels and exported to Scandinavia and Russia. To service this trade salt was made from sea water at Lochmaddy. A building known as 'Taigh an t-Salain' (Salt House) was situated near to the site of Taigh Chearsabhagh.

Christine Boshier built the structure with a steel frame covered in concrete. The simple, conical form is covered in particles of glass, which reflect the sunlight and resemble salt crystals. The piece is also filled with salt, and at high tide the sea slowly draws the salt from a small opening.

Boshier spent a month at Taigh Chearsabhagh and received much help from the pupils at lochmaddy School and local volunteers.

The sculpture is called High Tide/low Tide to reflect its intertidal position.

Hut of the Shadows by Chris Drury

Both nam Faileas (Hut of the Shadows) is a site specific installation by artist Chris Drury. It was created in 1997.

The Hut of the Shadow is situated on a peninsula in Sponish, Lochmaddy. It looks out towards the sea and the scattering of small islands that make up this beautiful coastal area.

The walls are built from reclaimed stone, forming a structure which is approximately 6ft tall at its highest point. A turf roof, set over wooden beams, changes with the seasons, displaying flowers. thistles and grasses. The interior passage leads you into a dark space where a camera obscura projects a remarkable moving image. Two inset seats provide a position to view the passing landscape as it - is brought into the dark quietness of the chamber. Th is ever changing image of sea and sky. combined with the sound of the waves and wind. offers an intriguing experience.

Chris Drury is one of Britain's foremost artists. His work in Uist explores an on-going theme of chambers and cairns which, in the landscape. provide a place of shelter and reference. His deep affinity with nature has inspired his work for over twenty years, resulting in works of great sensitivy and strength.

Many of his works have been built and assembled during long walks in remote areas all over the world. Often the only physical records of his work are photographs. These images capture a moment of time and place as the works themselves do; small cairns constructed from stone and incorporating found elements such as bone or driftwood. Larger chambers. like his wave chamber on the Keilder reservoir, are permanent works.
Chris Drury web site at :www.chrisdrury.co.uk

Tha Both nam Falteas air a shuidheachadh ann an Sponais, Loch nam Madadh, a' coimhead a-mach air a' mhuir agus na h-eileanan timcheall air a' chladach alainn seo.
Chaidh na ballaichean a thogail le cloich a' cleachdadh sgilean traidiseanta. Tha mullach sgrathan air far am bheil ditheanan agus lusan a' fas. A-staigh san dorchadas na broinn tha an camera obscura a' cruthachadh dealbh dhen t-sealladh a-muigh air a' bhalla. Tha e annasach agus sitheil a bhith 'suidhe a-staigh na bhroinn le dealbh na mara agus fuaim na gaoithe.

Observatory by David Goard

Observatory uses the medium of light and music to create a 20 minute sequence of images and colours using the stone wall of the 'Old Inn' at Taigh Chearsabhagh as its canvas.

The installation was created as part of the building extension project in 2000.