The Great Tapestry of Scotland could inspire countless journeys across Scotland.
From our Borders Tapestry Trail (a new way to explore the rich textile history, heritage and creativity of the Scottish Borders) to Andrew Crummy’s Scottish Tapestry Trail – the stories and creative legacy of tapestry can lead you onwards across the country.
Great Tapestry of Scotland artist Andrew has been involved in over 20 community projects, which together create a trail of artworks, stitchers and textile heritage sites across Scotland and beyond.
Follow his Scottish Tapestry Trail to discover how communities throughout the country have used tapestry to capture and share their own stories, heritage and identity.
"The Scottish Tapestry Trail tells the story of more than one artist or individual. It is not only about creativity and stitching, but the telling of many stories. Community arts projects like these are an invitation to be creative. The Tapestry Trail is developing and growing, with no end in sight. As always it is a pleasure to play a part and watch it grow. I hope that it is encouraging the tradition of embroidery and storytelling"
"The creation in recent years of a number of beautiful Scottish tapestries is one of the most exciting developments in the cultural life of the country. "These tapestries are not only considerable works of art - they embody the love and affection for the country felt by the many people who have worked together to make them. The Scottish Tapestry Trail will help to ensure that the public gets to know these lovely artistic works."
About Dr Andrew Crummy, MBE
The Great Tapestry of Scotland began with a vision by author Sir Alexander McCall Smith, inspired by Dr Andrew Crummey MBE’s work on the Battle of Prestonpans Tapestry. Sir Alexander invited Andrew to design what became The Great Tapestry of Scotland, creating a framework that enabled people to tell their own Scottish story their own way.
Drawing on his decades of experience in community arts, Andrew designed each of its 160+ panels, providing the visual framework through which more than 1,000 stitchers brought Scotland’s story to life while adding their own creativity and character.
Today, 18 of Andrew’s community arts projects can be seen at locations across Scotland, including:
- Craigmillar Tapestry at The Hays Hub, Craigmillar Edinburgh;
- 10 panels from The Highland and Islands Tapestry in Historylinks Museum, Dornoch;
- Sections of The Battle of Prestonpans Tapestry and Scottish Diaspora Tapestry at the Battle of Prestonpans Heritage Centre;
- Galashiels Interchange Tapestry, train and bus station;
- Declaration of Arbroath Tapestry at Arbroath Abbey;
- Gordon Highlanders WWI tapestry at Gordon Highlanders Museum Aberdeen;
- Kirkcaldy Tapestry Panel at Kirkcaldy library;
- People’s Panel at the Scottish Parliament;
- Clackmannanshire Tapestry at Alloa visitors centre.
- Allermuir Tapestry at The Allermuir Medical Centre, Oxgangs Edinburgh.
For the latest news about Andrew’s projects visit: andrewcrummy.com
Click here to watch an ITV News report on the launch of Andrew Crummy’s Scottish Tapestry Trail.