Transforming a Cold War surveillance station on a remote Scottish island into a major nature reserve

Celebrations took place at the weekend to mark the community buy out of a Cold War surveillance station on Lewis (Scottish Gaelic: Leòdhas) in the Outer Hebrides (Na h-Eileanan Siar). The radio and radar station was established at Gallan Head, close to the village of Aird Uig (Àird Ùig) 60 years ago. It formed part of Nato's early warning system against Soviet submarines and aircraft.

Gallan Head Community Trust bought the site from the Ministry of Defence with help of grant funding. The Trust has worked to clear the land of hazards left by the MOD and to make the old buildings safe. Gallan Head is now once again open to the public to enjoy its natural beauty. The house of Gallan Beag, which is at the end of the old RAF camp, has been opened up as a small Visitor Centre, information point and tea-room. The aim is to establish a circular path around the headland, with observation shelters for observing marine life and night-time star gazing 

A marine research centre is planned at what will be known The Cetus Observatory. The trust said: "Cetus will be a ground-breaking, multi-purpose space for observing the dark skies, changeable weather, listening to and spotting whales and getting absorbed in every aspect of nature and science."

"The observatory will hold an internet operated robotic telescope, a small radio telescope, a small radar, a solar telescope, a planetarium, a space exhibition, giant wide field binoculars for viewing cetaceans and birdlife, nature webcams, a café, educational facilities, and a small shop."

In November 2016, a Project Worker was appointed to help plan and progress the Gallan Head Community Trust's exciting ideas to transform this former Cold War surveillance station on a remote Scots island into a major nature reserve that is accessible to all.