A Journey Past and Present

By Maureen Ferguson

Journey stone depicting a traditional but and ben alongside modern innovations- specifically the Caledonian Canal
Image provided by Margaret Ferguson

The But and Ben was the home of the crofter and his family for centuries when the Caledonian Canal was constructed in 1822. It opened up a easier way of life for people living around Loch Ness and then, in 1954, Scottish Hydro Electric came to the Great Glen providing power to most homes.

The Spirit of the Highlands and Islands enables us to tell future generations the history of the area and our forefathers that is so precious to us.

Many thanks to Margaret Ferguson 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 of 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.