The Struan Cottage

By Barbara Rutterford

A homage to a little cottage at Struan with a new lease of life
Image provided by Barbara Rutterford

This little cottage on Skye was in a sorry state, having stood empty for more than 30 years. After many journeys from Norfolk to Skye we were able to make it habitable again. We have lived on Skye for 32 years.

Many thanks to Barbara Rutterford 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.