Clearances
The West Caithness Stitchers came together from the surrounding area to stitch the emotive story of the Highland Clearances into their panel alongside personal stories of their adventures in this scenic spot in the Highlands.
This is their story.
Like many of the Tapestry stitching group, the West Caithness Stitchers came together with different levels of experience and skill sets.
Harriette, a member of the stitching team, said, 'I enjoyed watching the panel grow with all the images, and embellishing the central image of the ruin, set in the landscape.'
The central image is a memorial to the Highland Clearances when a significant number of people in the Highlands and Islands were displaced, forced to leave their homes and livelihood, by landowners who wanted to profit from sheep farming. This has left an unmistakable mark on the landscape which can still be seen in places such as Badbea Clearance Village, Caithness and Croick Church, Ardgay.
This story is surrounded by stitchers journey stones which explore the modern landscape, local stories and personal remembrances of this area steeped in history and heritage.
The Highland ClearancesImage provided by Kirstie Campbell
Helmsdale stitcher gathering with Councillor Richard Gale.Image provided by Angus Mackay
The stitchers not only gave a lot to the Tapestry, but they gained a lot personally too. Ena talks about her experience below.
I was the last one of the group to join and they had already met, but I was welcomed into the fold and was happy to be group leader. I moved to Caithness 4 years ago and, due to covid, it had been a lonely time. Joining this project was great for my mental health. We all kept in touch through text and met at one of our houses or we booked a room at our local library.
Since we have finished the project, I have met up with 2 people from the group for coffee and a natter and we are setting up our own group for all things crafty.
I would say to anyone, and any future project, go for it!
Read Ena's story below:
Harriette, a fellow stitcher, also found the experience to be a good opportunity to reflect on her local area.
I like all kinds of different activities involving thread, wool, fabric. I am an avid knitter, can crochet, have done cross stitch and tapistry, and I can sew a bit. I came across embroidery project of the Red Dress by Kirstie Macleod, and just adored it, and thought I would love to be involved in something like that, and then Spirit of the Highlands and Islands tapestry came along.
The kind of embroidery and stitching involved for the project was new to me. In general I can follow patterns, but have never designed an image and that was a real challenge.
I made the images of Dunnet Head Lighthouse and Peedie Sands. The group found it important to represent what is located in our area, and personally those places are my favourites in Caithness because they are on my doorstep. The beach is just gorgeous, accessible via a 20 minute walk from Dwarwick pier. I love taking our visitors to it. The colours of the water and cliff face and rock structures just fascinate me.
Dunnet head is a good place to see sea birds, especially puffins, but its accolade is that it is the most Northerly point of Mainland Britain. Views to Orkney and along the north coast to the mountains of Sutherland are magnificent.
I feel proud to be part of this project, to showcase what the Highlands has to offer.
WITH THANKS TO THE WEST CAITHNESS STITCHERS
This panel was stitched by Ena, Andi, Catriona, Anne, Sarah, Harriette, Phyllida and Justine 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.
