Summer Isles Sheep Fank
Coigach is a peninsula north of Ullapool in Wester Ross, facing the Summer Isles archipelago. The stunningly beautiful views and rich natural heritage are encapsulated in the Sheep Fank stitched above a decorative dry stone wall by the Summer Isles Stitchers.
This is their story.
'We live in the beautiful peninsula of Coigach which consists of several little townships scattered along a single-track road hugging the coast. We look out onto the Summer Isles, a collection of islands and sea stacks which are home to a variety of flora and fauna.
Our panel design is based on the wall of a local sheep fank, designed by Andrew Crummy from photographs taken by some of our stitchers.
We opted to stitch each stone of the dry-stone wall on a coastal theme, with the images depicting local landmarks, scenery, wildlife and history of the area.
The top of the panel depicts the wall of the fank; this was used as a place to gather in the sheep for clipping. The bottom of the panel depicts the waves of the sea.'
Words by Catherine MacNeilage.
Sheep Fank and coastal dry stone wall.Image provided by Kirstie Campbell
The panel also features several journey stones which make up the dry stone wall, encapsulating what is special about the area inspired by the Summer Isles Stitchers personal experience.
A small boat and a shoal of mackerel to represent one of the joys of living on the coast – off out fishing! Created by Alison Graham.
A little croft house, typical of the small, tin-roofed dwellings which used to be built here. There are a few which survive, although there are many more now derelict. A fishing boat to mark the importance of the local fishermen who make their living from the coastal waters. Created by Ann Marie Firth-Bernard.
An otter, a delightful creature which can be seen in the area in quiet spots around the coast and out on the islands. Otters are shy so any sightings are thrilling. Created by Liz Salvin.
The Net Shed, which is a local landmark, much photographed and painted. Created by Julia Campbell.
A landscape with windswept tree. We do not have very many trees here and those that survive tend to bend away from the prevailing wind. Created by Jo Christoffersen.
A Collie dog and sheep. There are still a few crofters here whose livelihood is dependent on sheep; a good dog is always needed! Stri nam Mnathan remembers the Coigach Disturbances when the women of Coigach are recorded as resisting eviction by the landowners. The Summer Isles, lying just off the coast. This iconic view can be seen from the fank and indeed from many spots on the Coigach Peninsula. Created by Fiona Killow.
Kelp and holdfast. This remembers the 18th century cottage industry of harvesting and burning kelp for potassium used in the glass industry. The attachment to the rock is called the Holdfast, which is also the motto of Clan Macleod, one of the local families. Created by Ann Macleod and Cathy Macneilage.
Nephrops or langoustines are the main catch for many our local fishermen which are then sold locally or sent further afield to Europe. Created by Cathy Macneilage.
A Passing Place. We live at the end of a 15-mile stretch of single-track road and there are a great number of these familiar signs. Created by Nan Jones.
The group enjoyed coming together to stitch the panel over the Winter and Spring, and exchanged many ideas and skills in stitching designs to represent their area.
The Tapestry has brought people together, with a shared interest, to talk and celebrate what is special about the places we live and work.
It gave us time to reflect on the spirit of Coigach and the Summer Isles and the history of the place which makes it what it is today.
We hope our panel will inspire visitors to come and see for themselves the wildlife and coast which we love.
Coigach, Wester Ross.Image provided by Airborne Lens
In discussion with artist Andrew Crummy, important decisions to make!Image provided by Steven Gourlay
Peek-a-boo!Image provided by Steven Gourlay
WITH THANKS TO THE SUMMER ISLES STITCHERS
This panel was stitched by Alison, Ann, Ann-Marie, Cathy, Fiona, Jo, Julia, Liz, Margaret and Nan who gave their time, skill and energy to completing a fantastic artwork for their area.
If you would like to see the panel up close and admire the detail of their work, please look out for the panel at an exhibition near you soon. To find out more, follow Inverness Castle Experience on Facebook for all the latest updates on the Tapestry of the Highlands and Islands and the new visitor experience in Inverness, open 2025.
