The making of the Great Tapestry of Scotland

Scotland’s 18th century cotton-spinning Mill Village, New Lanark, is hosting the Great Tapestry Of Scotland.

New Lanark is one of Scotland’s six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and provides the perfect location for the six-week celebration of Scottish tapestry, which runs 10am until 5pm until 1 July.

Originated by acclaimed writer Alexander McCall Smith, historian Alistair Moffat and artist Andrew Crummy, the Great Tapestry Of Scotland was formed out of an idea to put together a team which would try to create one of the world’s longest tapestries.

A team of over 1000 people from all over Scotland, led by head stitcher Dorie Wilkins have contributed to the 160 panel long tapestry, which was created using over 65,000 hours of stitching, 300 miles of wool and depicts 420 million years’ worth of Scottish history.

The impressive display of tapestry, first came to New Lanark back in 2014, and the event attracted over 13,000 visitors. This year The Great Tapestry Of Scotland will take place in the villages’ newly developed Exhibition Gallery.

Textile development and innovation has been an imperative part of New Lanark’s industrial past. The village previously held the status as Scotland’s largest cotton manufacturer and has since developed to produce over 60 shades of exceptional yarn, even developing a world exclusive organic tartan in 2015.

The exhibit will feature tapestry related sketches, photography and memorabilia as well as key illustrative designs by Andrew Crummy.