Sanctuary
By Morag Keenan
An artistic tribute to the sanctuary that the Highlands bringImage provided by Morag Keenan
A homage to those quieter moments in life and the beauty of natureImage provided by Morag Keenan
Jim Hunter, our local and national songwriter, shared the lyrics from his song Sanctuary which we embroidered onto our panel. For many of the stitchers, local residents and visitors these lyrics sum up what living in this area means. The mountains, lochs, sea and landscape offer respite from the busyness and clamour of modern day living. W. H. Davies and Ecclesiastes Chpt.3 spring to mind: there is time for everything and there is also time to stop and stand and stare. Sometimes the patient waiting is enforced by the sheep as they amble from one field to the next; sometimes the view of the sea and Small Isles can make even those long accustomed to seeing them gasp at the ethereal beauty. When travelling, I know home is only a short distance away when I am driving down the Muidhe, and almost home when I spot the iconic Lady of the Braes chapel.
Many thanks to Morag Keenan 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.