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Thomas Telford bridge in Helmsdale, Sutherland (Credit: Venture North)
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Historic Helmsdale

By Betty Grieve

A homage to the incredible historic architecture of Helmsdale, Sutherland
Image provided by Betty Grieve

In this stone, I tried to incorporate Helmsdale's historic architecture. The river with its historic Thomas Telford bridge built in 1811, further up the river banks the old ice house built in 1824. All watched over by the Helmsdale War Memorial Clock Tower built in 1924. Below the tower, I have included the lovely Laburnium golden chain tree, and spring Daffodils with gorse and heather fading up the Helmsdale River Strath.

Many thanks to Betty Grieve 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.