The Great Tapestry of Scotland depicts 420 million years of Scotland’s story in 160 panels and is a wonderful, rich and diverse story. But like every nation, that story contains both good and bad, some elements of which we are only now able to see and accept as part of our past. The panels here offer snapshots and when taken together create an overview of our story in stitched-art and the written word, authored by historian Alistair Moffat, illustrated by artist Andrew Crummy and stitched by our 1000+ stitchers. Some of the panels reflect on the impact Scotland has had worldwide, the positive and the negative. Others acknowledge the importance of both immigration and emigration, wealth and poverty, but most focus in on the ordinary individual and the micro stories of history.
Together we can create a positive vision for our country’s future and, in understanding our past, have more awareness of the impact we might have through our actions today. We are learning how to avoid the worst of humanity in the forms of greed and manipulation and exploitation of those who live far from our shores. We will respect and support individuals with an openness and honesty over what has gone before.
The Tapestry records history but makes no moral judgement. That is up to each of us to decide. As the 21st century continues and gaps in our story emerge, we can work together to fill them through dialogue and creativity. Our hope is that the panels here encourage discussion and that each and every one of our visitors continues to interpret Scotland’s story independently.
We understand that the work of decolonisation is an ongoing endeavour that requires continuous reflection, learning and action. We commit to providing an open and inclusive space which is safe and comfortable, a place where everyone is encouraged to share their experiences and have their stories told, as we believe people across Scotland should be enabled to understand how historic events connect to life in Scotland and globally today.
This is our story, captured at one point in time. Talk to us about it. Let us learn from each other and build a better future together.
