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Helmsdale, Sutherland (Credit: Venture North)
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Gold Panning

By Anna McWilliam

A tribute to the history of Baile an Ór, Sutherland, and to a lifelong union
Image provided by Anna McWilliam

Baile an Ór is the site of the Great Sutherland Gold Rush of 1869. You can still pan for gold there on Suisgill Estate. When we moved to the area I said to my fiance "wouldn't it be nice if you panned the gold for our wedding rings", and he did! My journey stone I embroidered is adapted from a photo taken during the gold rush, with our wedding rings above.

Many thanks to Anna McWilliam 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.