Great Tapestry of Scotland New Lanark 2014 Slideshow

The Great Tapestry of Scotland began its five week residency in the World Heritage Site last week.

And a special viewing was organised for invited guests, including some of the talented tapestry stitchers who actually helped create the masterpiece.

One of them, Marjory Romer, was delighted to view the tapestry, which is 143 metres long and comprises 160 panels.

New Lanark’s panel takes pride of place next to a panel dedicated to Robert Burns.

Marjory said: “It’s fantastic to see it here in New Lanark. It’s great to think that I’ve contributed to something that is now part of our history.

“I’m hoping that all my family will be down to see it while it is here.”

The man whose vision led to the creation of the tapestry was also at New Lanark.

Author Alexander McCall Smith paid tribute to the talents of stitchers like Marjory up and down the country and believes there couldn’t be a better place to house such a fantastic piece of art.

“People have been overwhelmed by the beauty of it,” said Alexander.

“It’s such a magnificent piece of work and there are so many parts of history that people can identify with. Everything is included from David Hume and Adam Smith to the Argentina World Cup in 1978; it’s a history not just of Scotland but of its people.

“I thought it would be a great work of art but I didn’t realise how much people would take it to their hearts.”

Clydesdale MSP Aileen Campbell and New Lanark Trust chairman Willie McLeod were also overwhelmed by the detail of each panel.

Aileen said: “It’s an artwork made by the people of Scotland for the people of Scotland.”

Willie added: “I’m delighted to have it here at New Lanark with our rich history of textile making and the contribution New Lanark has made to the history of the country.”

The tapestry is at New Lanark until Sunday, November 23, and is open 10am to 5pm daily (last entry 4pm). The project involved over 1,000 stitchers from every corner of Scotland working to produce the world’s longest embroidered artwork.

Over 300 miles of woollen yarn was stitched by hand to create 160 panels that tell the stories of Scotland’s past; it’s all there from the forming of the land to the Hillman Imp and Dolly the Sheep.

Freelance photographer Sarah Peters captured the tapestry’s official opening at New Lanark and Gazette editor Julie Currie created the slideshow for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy...and remember Sarah’s pictures can be purchased on the Buy it Now section of our website!