The Faeries Of An Lochan Uaine

By Penny Godlington

An artistic homage to the faeries of the green waters of An Lochan Uaine.
Image provided by Penny Godlington

From behind my house rises the summit of Meall a’ Bhuachaille. On the other side of the mountain, nestles, magical and mysterious among the pines and heather along the Pass of Ryvoan, An Lochan Uaine - the Green Lochan. An old legend tells that the water takes its beautiful deep turquoise-green hue from the faeries washing their clothes in the lochan by moonlight.

Many thanks to Penny Godlington 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.