MOO

By Kirsten Makins

MOO Journey Stone
Image provided by Kirsten Makins

My journey stone represents Muir of Ord. Apart from the modern whisky and golf (and an excellent bakery), Muir of Ord used to be the gathering place for drovers taking their cattle to market. I based my journey stone on the map of the old drive roads, linking the glens with routes north and south, much like the current road pattern. At the centre of this is the black circle for the railway station, which brought later prosperity to the village. Stations have three letter codes, and ours is, appropriately, MOO. The other ancient story is that of a murdered travelling harper, killed because he witness nefarious activity by some locals. The symbol used in the village is of the harp.

Many thanks to Kirsten Makins 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.