Wester Ross stitchers form bonds of friendship working on unique Spirit of the Highlands tapestry
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
STITCHING groups from around the Ullapool area met recently for an in-person workshop with the design team from the Tapestry of the Highlands and Islands.
The stitcher gatherings are full of creativity and enthusiasm with lots of learning and friendships being developed.
It is an opportunity for over 30 community stitchers to share techniques, meet fellow stitchers and work with the materials, yarns and resources that will be showcased in the 52 panels created for the project.
Kirstie Campbell, stitch coordinator for the Tapestry of the Highlands and Islands, said: “Over the past several months we have held workshops across the Highlands and Islands, as well as online, to showcase the panels, designs and materials to our incredible team of volunteer community stitchers. The enthusiasm each time we deliver these workshops is always great to see, and we look forward to supporting the groups as they continue in delivering the project.”
RELATED: Picture -Tapestry coming together stitch by stitch
And sew it begins – Alness gathering at an historic moment
Andrew Crummy MBE, Designer for the Tapestry of the Highlands and Islands, said: “It has been a real joy to meet stitchers from across the Highlands and Islands who are volunteering their time to work on a project of this scale. Knowing that each individual stitcher who has contributed will be featured and have their story woven into the tapestry is something to behold.”
Cllr Isabelle (Biz) Campbell, Member for Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh, said: “It was fantastic to feel the energy and buzz today. The room was packed full of dedicated and passionate participants in the project. Each tapestry panel is lovingly embroidered with a story showing the stories from the region. Through the threads, unique journeys will be encouraged to explore and meet our communities. I look forward to seeing the future developments.”
Completed tapestry panels will be exhibited within the newly transformed Inverness Castle when it opens in 2025, as well as within community venues across the Highlands and Islands.
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 Spirit of the Highlands and Islands project will encourage visitors to explore and experience all parts of the Highlands and Islands, as well as inspiring them to attend and support festivals and events, visitor attractions and outdoor locations across the area.
The Spirit of the Highlands and Islands project is supported by a grant from the Natural and Cultural Heritage Fund (NCHF), led by NatureScot and funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
The Spirit of the Highlands and Islands project is part of the Inverness Castle project.
The Castle, opening in 2025, will benefit from £30m investment to support its redevelopment from the Scottish and UK Governments, The Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and a range of other partners.
The Inverness Castle project is part of the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal, which is a joint initiative supported by up to £315m investment from the UK and Scottish governments, The Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and University of the Highlands and Islands, aimed at stimulating sustainable regional economic growth.
