Tapestry work created by more than 600 Highland stitchers gets ready for Inverness Castle Experience
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A community-led project which involved more than 600 stitchers in the Highlands and Islands to create a heritage tapestry is getting ready to be on show at a new major visitor experience set to open in Inverness in 2025.
Volunteers from all over the region worked hard in the past two years to create panels which will be at the base of Tapestry of the Highlands and Islands, with completed tapestry panels set to be exhibited within the newly transformed Inverness Castle when it opens.
The artwork will also be on display within community venues across the Highlands and Islands and online.
Kirstie Campbell, professional textile artist and stitch coordinator for the project said: It is wonderful to experience the dedication, warmth and genuine camaraderie that has been generated through the stitching groups.
"At a time when we all needed to reconnect as we recovered from the impact of the pandemic, the project has really helped to regenerate links and relationships across the area.”
The tapestry is being created as part of the Spirit of the Highlands and Islands project, a partnership project between The Highland Council and High Life Highland, which is being delivered in collaboration with VisitScotland.
The material used in the panels – much donated from local businesses – has been stitched together with a range of yarns and resources into the 56 panels of the Tapestry of the Highlands and Islands.
Kate Muir, stitcher on the Calanais Stones panel, Isle of Lewis said: "We literally put blood, sweat and tears into the panel so, when the time came to hand it over, it was decided I would do it in person. On a perfectly calm morning at 5am the journey started with a drive, then ferry crossing from Stornoway to Ullapool, followed by a bus journey to Inverness. Six hours later I arrived at the hub, it was a real hubbub of energy, with lots of women working away.
"Handing over our panel was very emotional but ‘our baby’ had to leave its Island home and join its peers! We are excited to see the finished panels on display. A trip all five of us will make together. It's been an excellent project, and one we are all very proud to be part of.”
The last remaining tapestry panels were handed over in July by stitching groups from across the region.
A total of 56 panels made with a variety of techniques and materials has been produced.
Cllr Ian Brown, Leader of Inverness City and Area and Co-chair of the Inverness Castle Project Delivery Group, said:
“Having met many of the stitchers, I have seen their passion for the project at first hand and know how committed each and every one has been to make sure their part of the tapestry conveys the stories of their own community in an exciting and creative way.”
