Our landscape
By Eleanor Dunbar
For me the essence of Caithness is the landscape. In a nutshell this encompasses the rugged coastline and sea beyond; the open, windswept countryside consisting of moorland and farmland and crofts, flanked by an arc of hills; and the wide, ever-changing skies and horizon.
I have embroidered the view from my house, looking south over Sinclair's Bay as far as the eye can see. It is a typical Caithness scene, familiar to anyone living here with its distinctive skyline of Scaraben, Maiden Pap and Morven.
Man-made features include Ackergill Tower, originally a Viking stronghold, and a sample number of wind turbines.I have tried to convey the sense of open space out there, also the variety of colour apparent within both the natural and the cultivated landscape
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.