The Big Sheep
The Bunillidh Stitchers came together from around Helmsdale, a village on the East Coast of Sutherland with a rich industrial past, and the straths of Kildonan to stitch the areas vast history into their tapestry panel.
This is their story.
On the unfenced open glens and mountainsides, flocks of sheep have to be hefted, kept in place by constant shepherding through the stock-rearing year. But once a flock learn where the good grazing is, they expand it into the wide green, close-cropped patches known as sheep lawns, and they find sheltered places for when the weather is severe.
The heft is passed on by ewes to their lambs who stay close to their mothers even after weaning. When the flocks leave their winter heft on the age-old journey of transhumance, moving upcountry to the high summer pastures in the mountains, they are more likely to stray.
Leaving the men at am baile geamhraidh, the wintertown, young boys, women and their children herd the flocks up to am baile samhraidh, the summertown, to the shielings known as na h’àirighean.
There is a beautiful song that captures the soft air of the high country. Thug mi ‘n oidche raoir ‘s mi bruadar, mar ri nìonagan na buaile. I spent last night dreaming I was with the girls of the cattle fold.
The Big Sheep's coat is stitched with genuine wool from a native flock.Image provided by Bunillidh Stitchers
Sutherland is a land of stories. Stories of past industry and the people who kept the land fertile and the flocks fed. Stories of families, both rich and poor, who were involved in the making of history. The panel has stones which surround the sheep and capture some of these stories which we felt were important to tell. They tell the story of people who came and left the area and the impact that they had, as well as our own personal stories of the special place we live in.
Learn more about the legacy of unique industries in the Highlands in the video below. Rona, one of the Bunillidh Stitchers, explains the significance of the panels big sheep.
The Bunillidh Stitchers also embroidered journey stones to surround the fleecy sheep and include what they feel are the most important stories about Helmsdale's history. These also include stories of finding a home in Sutherland, the beautiful flora and fauna on their doorstep and the memories of past generations still alive in modern life.
Read more in our journey stones
Helmsdale stitcher gathering with Councillor Richard Gale.Image provided by Angus Mackay
Discover more of our stories
WITH THANKS TO THE BUNILLIDH STITCHERS
This panel was stitched by Rona, Emilee-Mae, Lucretia, Anna, Betty, Carol, Joan, Maggie, Roslyn and Tracy 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.
