The Great Tapestry of Scotland

A thousand volunteer stitchers, from the Borders to the Highlands and Islands, created The Great Tapestry of Scotland.

There are hundreds of stories behind the creation of the Great Tapestry of Scotland – many of which you will discover at this compelling new national visitor attraction in the heart of Galashiels and just 3 miles from Melrose. If you are in the Borders, don’t miss a visit to ‘The Tapestry’.

The Great Tapestry of Scotland Gallery and Visitor Centre houses one of the world’s largest community arts projects, as well as visiting exhibits, workshops and cafe. Since opening, this five-star attraction has become one of the top Visitor Attractions in the country. Indeed, our guests always remark on how much they have enjoyed seeing this compelling visual account of Scotland’s history, heritage and culture.

It was world renowned author Alexander McCall Smith who had the idea for the Great Tapestry of Scotland. Inspired by a visit to the Prestonpans Tapestry, he set to work gathering a team to bring his vision to life.

First, he recruited Andrew Crummy, the artist behind the Prestonpans Tapestry. Andrew had vast experience with large-scale community arts projects. He knew how to achieve the delicate balance between creating an immense artwork with a unified style and giving freedom to individual stitchers to make their own contributions. Next Alexander asked historian Alistair Moffat to decide which episodes from Scottish history should be included in The Great Tapestry of Scotland.

While he would of course include certain key events and important people (like the Battle of Bannockburn or Sir Walter Scott), it was also important that the tapestry told the everyday stories of Scotland’s people. Alistair suggested including panels reflecting ordinary lives, such as millworkers and herring girls. Now in its new permanent home, The Great Tapestry of Scotland reveals Scottish history and culture as experienced, as well as shaped, by its people.

Finally, it was agreed that the country’s iconic and stunning natural landscape should feature prominently in the Tapestry story.

The stitchers are at the very heart of the Tapestry’s story. Great Tapestry of Scotland stitcher coordinator Dorie Wilke was the third member of the core team. She took on the enormous job of recruiting and organising one thousand stitchers – making the tapestry one of the world’s largest community arts projects. She also oversaw the process of carefully tracing Andrew Crummy’s designs onto linen, sourcing yarn and preparing stitching packs to post out to stitchers all across the country.

Reaching communities the length and breadth of Scotland, the making of The Great Tapestry of Scotland created a feeling of national pride.

For many it also became a personal journey. Strangers became friends for life. People reconnected with friends not seen for decades. Panels were transferred between stitchers through snowstorms and over rough seas. Other panels travelled around the world as dedicated stitchers took them on holiday. Some stitchers even met with and became friends with the living ancestors of individuals whose stories are told in the 160 panels.

In addition to housing the Tapestry itself, the building houses a cafe, a gallery for visiting exhibits and a workshop space giving people an opportunity to meet, and learn from, the makers.

The first temporary exhibit is Iconic Scotland, which features written and photographic contributions from 40 iconic, inspiring and pioneering individuals including Outlander Stars Sam Heughan and Grant O’Rourke, actress Joanna Lumley, sports stars Doddie Weir, athlete Liz McColgan and WWE Champion Drew McIntyre and brewing pioneer Sir Geoff Palmer.

Images courtesy of The Great Tapestry of Scotland Gallery and Visitor Centre