Highland Land League Monument

By Tracy MacRae

An artistic tribute to the Highland Land League Monument at Gartymore
Image provided by Tracy MacRae

The Highland Land League monument is situated in Gartymore, Helmsdale. This crofting township is where local crofters were prevalent in securing crofters' rights from the government of the day. The monument is seen with the backdrop of the heathery hillside, which is predominant in common grazings throughout the Highlands.

Many thanks to Tracy MacRae 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.