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Looking south from Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness (Credit: Visit Inverness Loch Ness)
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The Landscape

By Toni Herbert

My story represents my escape to the country. I was running away from a bad relationship in England, born and bred in Yorkshire to a new life in Scotland. Here in Scotland, I have found a little self and great happiness. My work on the panel has been a salvation. I embroidered the unicorn, a representation of a mythical creature that surrounds Scotland and, of course, Loch Ness. The unicorn represents all things Scottish and all good things in life. The magical unicorn can appear at any time to help people on their way (Toni Herbert (77)).

Many thanks to Toni Herbert for sharing with us the story behind his 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.