Rogart Brooch: A Little Piece of History
By Davina Turner
Rogart Brooch Journey Stone DesignImage provided by Davina Turner
With Scottish roots, I led a nomadic early life as an RAF child, living in various places across England and Scotland but always felt the 'pull' of Scotland.
When we moved into our forever home in the hills of Rogart, the previous owners had generously left behind various books for us about the history of the parish written by John Macdonald. The books led me to the Rogart Heritage Society website and the story of the Rogart Brooch.
It was unearthed during rock blasting for the construction of the Sutherland Railway in 1868. An 8th century brooch, it has raised borders lined with gold and silver edges. There are little bird heads facing inwards, also lined with gold, drinking from a fountain. I am extremely grateful to have had it drawn for me, and loved stitching it. One day I hope to see the original which is housed in the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.
Many thanks to Davina Turner 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.