Heartlands - The Enchanted Forest

BY THE HEARTLANDS STITCHERS

A homage to the Enchanted Forest, Highland Perthshire
Image provided by The Heartlands Stitchers The Enchanted Forest, Highland Perthshire
Image provided by The Heartlands Stitchers The Awen
Image provided by The Heartlands Stitchers

TELLING THE STORY OF THE HEARTLANDS PANEL

Designed by Laura and stitched by herself, Suzy and others who were all working at the Enchanted Forest in Pitlochry as part of the forest Battle Scar Team. The Enchanted Forest returned to Pitlochry in the autumn of 2022 following a 2 year gap when it was cancelled due to Covid restrictions. It is a spectacular sound and light show, held each autumn and lasting for around 5 weeks, and takes place on paths around Loch Dunmore in the Faskally Woods just to the north of Pitlochry.

The Awen, as the symbol of The Order of Bards, Ovates & Druids, or OBOD, is an important symbol in Celtic culture and language as it represents creativity and the essence of poetic inspiration and imagination.

Many thanks to the Heartland Stitchers for sharing with us this incredible story 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.