First stitch sewn into The Tapestry of the Highlands and Islands which will be displayed at Inverness Castle following its transformation into visitor attraction
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The first stitch has been sewn into The Tapestry of the Highlands and Islands which will depict stories from communities across the region.
It will be displayed at Inverness Castle following its transformation into a visitor attraction.
The project involves 500 stitchers aged from 16 to 89 in communities across the Highlands and Islands,.
The first stitch was sewn at the Averon Centre in Alness.
Norma Bain, lead stitcher of the nine Spirited Stitchers of Easter Ross, threaded the first stitch in one of 52 panels being distributed.
The retired social worker from Edinburgh moved to Easter Ross last year.
"As my mother taught me to knit and sew at a young age, I am delighted to be part of such an exciting project showcasing stories from across the Highlands and Islands," she said.
"It has really started to bring the community together and I have met lots of new people through our group."
The tapestry is being created as part of the Spirit of the Highlands and Islands project, a partnership involving Highland Council and High Life Highland, which will be delivered in collaboration with VisitScotland and encourage visitors to explore more remote and rural parts of the region.
The tapestry has been designed by Andrew Crummy who was present for the first stitch.
"It is very exciting to see the tapestry finally under way," he said.
"This has been a long time in the planning and we are looking forward to visiting other stitching groups throughout the project."
Stitch coordinator Kirstie Campbell said: "This project will not only aim to tell stories of local communities, but also bring people together, starting new friendships and creating new stories."
Cllr Ian Brown, co-chairman of the Inverness Castle Delivery Group said the project was a platform for communities to reunite after a difficult few years.
"It keeps a valuable skill alive and offers others a chance to learn new techniques whilst growing new friendships," he said.
"I am looking forward to watching the tapestry progress and the design come alive."
The Tapestry of the Highlands and Islands project is supported by a grant from the Natural and Cultural Heritage Fund (NCHF), led by NatureScot and part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
Completed tapestry panels will be exhibited in the newly-transformed Inverness Castle and at venues across the Highlands and Islands.
The Inverness Castle project, opening in 2025, will benefit from £30 million investment to support its re-development from the Scottish and UK Governments, Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and a range of other partners.
Inverness Castle set to amaze visitors
The castle project is part of the Inverness and Highland City Region deal, a joint initiative supported by up to £315 million investment from the UK and Scottish governments, Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and University of the Highlands and Islands, aimed at stimulating sustainable regional economic growth.
