The Great Tapestry of Scotland Visitor Centre takes centre stage as a key destination in Scotland for Bayeux Around Britain – a special programme celebrating the British Museum’s landmark exhibition of the Bayeux Tapestry.
A once-in-a-generation opportunity to experience the remarkable connection between two extraordinary tapestries – almost 1,000 years apart.
From autumn 2026 to July 2027, The Great Tapestry of Scotland invites visitors to discover the fascinating links between the iconic Bayeux Tapestry and Scotland’s own extraordinary story told in stitch.
The connection runs deep, The Bayeux Tapestry was a major source of inspiration for artist Andrew Crummy when developing the vision for The Great Tapestry of Scotland. Its influence can be seen within the Scottish tapestry itself, including the panel depicting St Margaret of Scotland – the English princess who sought refuge in Scotland following the Norman Conquest of 1066, a pivotal moment at the heart of the Bayeux story.
Separated by almost a millennium, these two remarkable works share an extraordinary ability to bring history to life through thread. Both were created through the skill, imagination and dedication of many stitchers, transforming thousands of individual stitches into compelling stories that have endured through generations.
As part of Bayeux Around Britain, The Great Tapestry of Scotland Visitor Centre will bring this story to lift through an exciting programme or exhibitions, events, talks and exclusive hands-on workshops.
Visitors will have the opportunity to look closer, discover unexpected connections and even become part of the story through stitching and creative experiences.
Two Nations; Two Tapestries is more than a celebration of the Bayeux Tapestry. It is an invitation to discover the remarkable, shared power of textiles to tell history – and to experience Scotland’s own living tradition of collective storytelling at The Great Tapestry of Scotland. A must-see destination for anyone fascinated by history, art, textiles and the stories that connect us.
Coming Soon
Come and explore the stories behind two remarkable tapestries.
See printed versions of the Bayeux Tapestry in enhanced colour, brought to life through interactive touchscreen interpretations in our Gallery 1420. Discover the stories, people and events depicted in the Bayeux and compare them with the rich stories depicted in The Great Tapestry of Scotland.
Explore. Compare. Discover.
The full programme will be revealed here soon. Don’t miss what promises to be a fascinating celebration of history, storytelling and the enduring power of stitch.
To be the first to hear when our programme is live to book, sign up via our link below.
The Stothard Cast
COMING SOON
A rare opportunity to see a magnificent Bayeux artifact, exclusively in Scotland. Hand-painted plaster casts featuring details from the iconic Bayeux Tapestry will go on display at The Great Tapestry of Scotland - the only place in Scotland where these remarkable artifacts can be seen. Further details coming soon.
Workshops
COMING SOON
Be part of a once-in-a-lifetime piece of textile history and join us for an exclusive stitching workshop to create a commemorative panel celebrating the shared history of Scotland and France. Further details coming soon.
In Conversation...
COMING SOON
An evening of stories, scholarship and discovery — and a chance to meet one of the leading voices bringing the Bayeux Tapestry to life. Further details coming soon.
Bayeux Around Britain
Bayeux Around Britain, supported by WorldQuant, is a nationwide programme. Through a network of more than 60 partner organisations providing education programming, including museums, galleries, libraries, archives, cathedrals and heritage sites, the programme will ensure that Bayeux Tapestry-related activity is within an hour’s drive of two-thirds of the country, while the digital experience is available to all schoolchildren everywhere.
The initiative reflects the British Museum’s ambition that this historic loan should be a national moment, reaching far beyond London and engaging communities across the UK.