Stitchers see the new permanent Great Tapestry of Scotland display in Galashiels for the first time

Описание: One of the original Great Tapestry of Scotland stitchers, Paddy McGruer reacts to seeing the new permanent Great Tapestry of Scotland in Galashiels for the first time. It was emotional for many of the stitchers for whom seeing the Tapestry again after so many years brought back wonderful memories.
For more information visit www.greattapestryofscotland.com

Film maker: Phil Wilkinson

The brainchild of Alexander McCall Smith and designed by artist Andrew Crummy, the Great Tapestry of Scotland is one of the world’s largest community arts projects. Hand-stitched by a team of 1,000 people from across Scotland led by stitcher coordinator Dorie Wilkie, over 300 miles of wool was used in creating the 160 linen panels (enough to lay the entire length of Scotland from the border with England to the tip of Shetland). The design of the panels is based on a narrative written by Scottish Borders-based award-winning writer and historian Alistair Moffat.

As well as permanently displaying the Great Tapestry of Scotland itself, the facility will be home to a workshop space - where visitors can meet the makers, a café showcasing Scotland’s larder, a shop and Gallery 1420, which will host a series of visiting exhibitions.

Gallery 1420’s opening exhibit is Iconic Scotland, which features written and photographic contributions from 40 iconic, inspiring and pioneering individuals including rugby legend Doddie Weir, Outlander stars Sam Heughan and Grant O’Rourke, Frightened Rabbit’s Scott Hutchison, human rights champion and academic Sir Geoff Palmer, actress Joanna Lumley, the first British and Scottish champion in WWE history Drew McIntyre and Sir Walter Scott. In 2021/22, the attraction is also partnering in Abbotsford’s Scott 250 celebrations.

The Great Tapestry of Scotland is operated by the charity Live Borders, which manages many of the cultural and leisure facilities in the Scottish Borders, including the five-star Jim Clark Motorsport Museum and the Heart of Hawick entertainment venue.