The Black Isle

By Louise Hoult

The Black Isle Journey Stone
Image provided by Louise Hoult

This journey stone reflects all the areas of the Black Isle that are important to me. Places I run, swim, walk the dog, forage, fossil hunt, and wildlife watch.

The Black Isle is my home as its where my heart is, but it's not where I was born. The Black Isle has such a diverse range of habitats all within a few miles, I am spoilt for choice. In my childhood I would have had to travel for miles in many different directions to access the same diversity, I love that I now have so much on my door step. And so my journey stone tries to encompass some of these differing habitats and locations across the Black Isle.

Many thanks to Louise Hoult 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.