Callanish Stones

By Helen Hill

A tribute to the majesty of the prehistoric Callanish Stones
Image provided by Helen Hill

Seeing Callanish for the first time was absolutely amazing. There was a presence, and a sense of the Stones seeming to be like ancient people. Using my old camera, I took lots of photos, but when they were exposed I realised they'd been double exposed. The Stones had merged with photos of our garden in Spring! My journey stone shows daffodils and Spring flowers covering the Stone I chose. It also alludes to the farming and agriculture of the Bronze Age.

Many thanks to Helen Hill for sharing with us the story behind her journey stone, created as part of the Tapestry of the Highlands and Islands.

WHAT IS A JOURNEY STONE?

Prior to the beginning of the stitching of each tapestry panel, each stitcher of the Tapestry of the Highlands and Islands was tasked with telling their interpretation of the 'Spirit of the Highlands and Islands' within a blank outline of a stone. The possibilities were truly endless - is it represented in the land? The people? A historical site? A favourite memory?

In any case, each journey stone represents the connection between each individual stitcher, their story, and their own sense, or 'spirit', of place. Discover more of the stories behind the journey stones of the Tapestry of the Highlands and Islands here.