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Local authority backs three legs landmark reinstatement

Dave Lewin The recently-painted hillside Three Legs of Mann symbol on North Barrule. The landmark's outline and part of its legs are painted white, which stands out against the nearby stone and green hills. There is cloud and a bit of blue sky in the backgroundDave Lewin
The Manx triskelion was created on North Barrule in 2019

The repainting of a large triskelion on a hillside in the north of the Isle of Man has received the backing of the local authority.

The 100ft (30m) wide Three Legs of Mann symbol on North Barrule was created by retired builder Bryan Callister in 2019, but concerns about its legality followed.

An anonymous group recently painted the symbol a natural stone colour, but after outcry online another party re-painted parts of the symbol white.

Lezayre Commissioners said it was "not offended by what is there" describing it as "a great initiative displaying Manx heritage and history at its best".

Frank Schuengel The three legs of Mann symbol as it was painted grey. It sits on the side of a green hill.Frank Schuengel
The structure's visibility faded when it was painted grey in early August

Questions about the divisive stonework, built on one of the Isle of Man's highest peaks, have been asked since it was created.

In 2020 nearby Ramsey and Garff Commissioners raised concerns over it being painted, but Lezayre Commissioners narrowly voted to approve the move.

When the outline was repainted, making it more visible in 2021, Ramsey Commissioners questioned if the structure should remain in place.

In early August 2024, an unknown group posted a letter online which stated the structure had been "returned to a natural stone colour" in an "effort to return the view to nature", sparking debate on social media.

Paddy O’Neill Jacob Kelly, Paddy O’Neill, Jake Mayers and Nic Tinnion stand side-by-side smiling and with their arms around each other. They are wearing outdoor clothing that is covered with white paint stains.Paddy O’Neill
Jacob Kelly, Paddy O’Neill, Jake Mayers and Nic Tinnion painted some of the symbol white again in mid-August

A week later, carrying two tins of white paint each, friends Jacob Kelly, Paddy O’Neill, Jake Mayers and Nic Tinnion scaled the peak and repaint the outline and some of the legs.

Mr O'Neill said the quartet had wanted to "put things right" and Mr Callister, who spent three months moving the stones into the shape of the island's national symbol, had been "chuffed" to be able to see it again.

While the group received some negative comments, "99.9% of the comments were absolutely superb", he added.

In a statement to the BBC, Lezayre Commissioners said its members were "not offended by what is there and hope it will remain as a future landmark”.

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