Yolko

By Alison Murray

Journey Stone tribute to Yolko
Image provided by Alison Murray

Meet Yolko, one of my 6 hens, named after my sister-in-law Yoko (the other hens being Hennifer, Repeka, Layla, Shelley and Hendrix).

I have always wanted to keep chickens, but living in Edinburgh it was never an option. Then we had the unexpected opportunity to move to Stoer, and the first thing my daughter said was ' You can get chickens!'

Yolko symbolises my new life, she and her "siblings" give me a sense of peace and well-being, and help me appreciate the best thing about living where we do. Don't give up on your hopes, you never know how things will turn out!

Many thanks to Alison Murray, of the Group 31 Top Left Corner Stitchers, 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.