Eilean Glas
By Margaret Clyne
A journey stone celebrating fond memories of a visit to Eilean Glas lighthouse on the Hebridean Isle of Scalpay.Image provided by Margaret Clyne
I brought my journey stone pack with me on holiday to Harris. I had not had any inspiration so far and had been given quite random colours in my pack. It had been a rather blustery and wet week but one afternoon promised a good weather window so we decided on a walk to Eilean Glas lighthouse on the Isle of Scalpay. Coming down the path towards the building I could see all the colours of wool the red and white of the lighthouse tower, the grey of the rocks below and the blue of the sea and the sky. The decision was made Eilean Glas lighthouse became my memory of a holiday on the Outer Hebrides. The lighthouse has stood on these rocks since 1789 keeping seafarers safe, it is one of the first 4 lighthouses built in the UK. The light is now automatic but the building is being slowly restored by a group of volunteers. I wish them all the very best in their endeavours.
Many thanks to Margaret Clyne 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.