Heartlands - The Falls of Dochart
BY THE HEARTLANDS STITCHERS
The Falls of Dochart Journey StoneImage provided by The Heartlands Stitchers
Elizabeth, stitcher of the Falls of Dochart Journey StoneImage provided by The Heartlands Stitchers
TELLING THE STORY OF THE HEARTLANDS PANEL
The Falls of Dochart was stitched by Elizabeth who says:
For the journey stones we kept the theme of “faith” in mind and agreed on two. I was happy to draw the designs and in the end I also did the stitching. The Falls of Dochart are a popular beauty spot, attracting many visitors over the years. The Falls under the bridge have stood the test of time. We have faith in the constant flow of the river, its strength and permanency.
The Bridge, which was first built in 1764, had to be rebuilt after a flood in 1834. On the island which lies just below the bridge is the burial ground of the Clan MacNab chiefs, together with a large stone that legend says is Fingal’s grave and gave Killin its name, or in Gaelic “Cill Fhinn”, and which can be translated as Finn’s church or cell, also referring to another legend that Fingal is buried somewhere in the hills overlooking Killin. Yvonne adds:
We have contributed to various parts of stitching on the panel with Elizabeth designing and stitching Killin’s stones. We would meet round my kitchen table drink coffee, eat mince pies and homemade shortbread and chat about what we should do and what stitches we should use.
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.