Heartlands - ...And Finally

BY THE HEARTLANDS STITCHERS

TELLING THE STORY OF THE HEARTLANDS PANEL

In addition to all those already mentioned as being directly involved in the creation of the tapestry panel, grateful thanks are also due to:

• Andrew Crummy for providing the beautiful second panel which made it possible for the A9 group to be split into two with more manageable numbers

• Anna Marshall, Kirstie Campbell and Ben Makin for all their work in the day to day running of the tapestry project

• Liz Henderson in Aviemore for so kindly and efficiently sending more wool whenever asked

• Karen MacKay in Breadalbane Community Library, Aberfeldy, for all her help and assistance in locating books and in researching material in connection with the tapestry

• Paddy in Tummel Bridge who suggested contacting the Kynachan Stitchers, and to Liz Nicholson who then suggested the Kinloch Rannoch Crafternoon Group, and also for her other contacts

• Andrew for his work at Duncroisk and sending me one of his own photographs

• The staff in Pitlochry Tourist Office, in Breadalbane Community Library and at Killin Library for their kindness in allowing the Heartland panel to be displayed briefly at their premises before being handed over to be professionally stretched and framed

• Barnardo’s Charity Shop in Pitlochry for donating wool for the primary school children to make their own wool-cord friendship bracelets, while other classmates were using different wool to make cords for the tapestry

... and to the families of all those involved – thanks for their own patience and forbearance - and apologies for when the tapestry interfered with normal home life. I am so grateful to everyone who has been involved – in all the very many different ways. You have all helped to create the very beautiful and unique Heartland tapestry panel. Thank you!

Many thanks to the Heartland Stitchers for sharing with us the incredible stories behind their panel, created as part of the Tapestry of the Highlands and Islands.

READ MORE STORIES FROM THE TAPESTRY OF THE HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS

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.