The Oyster Catcher

By Anne Thackray

The Oyster Catcher Journey Stone
Image provided by Anne Thackray

These lovely colourful birds can often be seen on the beach at Saltburn picking through the tide for a tasty morsel.

They seem to chatter to each other all the time, whether they are on the beach or flying over the water. Lying in bed at night you can hear them flying over. I wonder where, and if, they sleep!

Many thanks to Anne Thackray 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.