Heartlands - Killin and Ardeonaig Parish Church
BY THE HEARTLANDS STITCHERS
Image provided by The Heartlands Stitchers
TELLING THE STORY OF THE HEARTLANDS PANEL
Killin and Ardeonaig Parish Church was built in 1744 close to the River Lochay at the west end of Loch Tay. Traditionally, the earliest church in Killin was near the standing stone called Fingal’s Stone, with a later parish church probably being located in the old graveyard just behind the current Church although no remains are now visible. However, a seven-sided font was found half-buried within the old graveyard and is now in the parish church, the bell also came from an earlier church.
James Stuart who was the minister in Killin in 1767 published the first New Testament in Scottish Gaelic. This journey stone was also stitched by Elizabeth and she writes:
The church is obvious, concerning faith with the length of time it has stood there and welcomed so many people over the years.
It continues to serve the Killin community with regular services and events.
Many thanks to the Heartland Stitchers, and to Elizabeth, 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.