The Great Tapestry of Scotland began with a vision by author Alexander McCall Smith, inspired by the Prestonpans Tapestry. To bring it to life, he first enlisted artist Andrew Crummy, whose experience in large-scale community art allowed him to design a unified yet flexible work, giving individual stitchers freedom to contribute their own expression. Next, historian Alistair Moffat selected episodes to depict. Alongside iconic moments such as the Battle of Bannockburn and the life of Sir Walter Scott, he ensured everyday stories of millworkers, farmers, and herring girls were represented. Women and Scotland’s landscapes also featured prominently, reflecting their vital role in shaping the nation’s history. Finally, master stitcher Dorie Wilkie organised hundreds of volunteers from “The Hub” in Eskbank, preparing stitching packs, offering guidance, and coordinating contributions from across the country. Together, thousands of hands created a vast collaborative masterpiece, weaving Scotland’s heritage, people, and landscapes into one extraordinary story of cultural heritage.
The stitchers are at the very heart of the Tapestry’s story. Great Tapestry of Scotland stitcher coordinator Dorie Wilkie 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 descendants of individuals whose stories are told in the 160 panels.
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