Kiss the Water…
By Debra Waud
I moved to the Highlands in 2004 from Lancashire and became fascinated by a dilapidated cottage I frequently passed at Kintradwell, on the outskirts of Brora. On further investigation I discovered the world of Megan Boyd, herself a settler from England at the end of WWI. She was a woman who truly lived life on her own terms and was a much respected and renowned person locally, nationally and within fishing communities internationally - being a particular favourite salmon fly tyer of King Charles III throughout his lifetime. Wikipedia have an interesting article covering the main facts of her life but I have been fortunate to hear anecdotes first hand from local villagers.
This lady embraced the Spirit of the Highlands by living her life simply, working hard, being part of the community and recognising how much we are blessed by the abundance of nature that surrounds us. Megan Boyd…an inspirational woman who did not need the trappings of fame or fortune because she already had the natural resources around her which kindled contentment. Though I did not know this lady personally, having arrived to the area three years after her death, I feel totally connected to her which for me represents how the Spirit of the Highlands past continues to influence and bind us.
Many thanks to Debra Waud 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.