Exclusive free exhibit allows people to tell their own stories of world leading textile region
A new community-led exhibit telling the people’s story of one of the world’s leading textile regions will go on display at Great Tapestry of Scotland visitor centre.
Article Source: Great Tapestry of Scotland
Last Updated: 24 June 2022 10:25
A new community-led exhibit telling the people’s story of one of the world’s leading textile regions will go on display for the first time in The Great Tapestry of Scotland’s five-star visitor centre in Galashiels Heartland of the Scottish Border from Wednesday 6 July 2022.
Running until Sunday 17 July as part of the Year of Stories 2022, entry to A Yarn Worth Spinning will be free, so that everyone has an opportunity to enjoy the experience.
Developed by leading academics at Heriot-Watt University’s School of Textiles and Design alongside local textile enthusiasts, the exhibit will feature new Borders inspired textile designs and an exclusive Borders textiles documentary by Jedburgh Grammar School alumni Ruidi Collins (now a producer with award-winning film makers Redeeming Features, whose work in recent years includes a Netflix US and Amazon Prime feature film and a feature length documentary about improving mental health in sport ‘Ten Count’, starring Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson.).
Announcing the opening of A Yarn Worth Spinning, Centre Director for The Great Tapestry of Scotland at Live Borders, Sandy Maxwell-Forbes said: “The Great Tapestry of Scotland is where the people’s story of Scotland begins. Allowing people to tell their own stories in their own way, and inspiring future generations to realise their full potential is at the heart of everything we do, so we are absolutely delighted to be working with Heriot-Watt University, Redeeming Features and the local community to showcase this inspiring new exhibit. We are also thrilled that, thanks to the Year of Stories 2022 Community Stories Fund and Energise Galashiels Trust, we can open up this opportunity for everyone to enjoy free of charge
“As the home to one of the world’s longest tapestries, handstitched by over 1,000 stitchers from across Scotland, featuring some of the country’s greatest textile stories, it is incredibly fitting that everyone can now enjoy the story of the Borders’ world-renowned textile heritage in our permanent new five-star visitor centre in Galashiels.”
The exhibit centres around a series of Borders inspired textiles, clothing and interior designs by some of the University’s leading textile and design students. Each of the designs reinforce how textile heritage can be used to narrate, design and generate sustainable futures for Galashiels and the wider Scottish Borders.
The short film charts the town’s textile heritage and uncovers some unique hidden gems along the way, including the textile murals featured in the Lucy Sanderson Hall.
Speaking about their involvement, Dr Lucy Robertson, Assistant Professor at Heriot-Watt University’s School of Textiles and Design, said: “We were thrilled to support The Great Tapestry of Scotland in putting together A Yarn Worth Spinning. We’re incredibly proud of all of our students and very impressed with the designs by local school pupils also featured.
“Design centres on working with - and for - people. Inspired by the people, place, heritage and all the opportunities Galashiels presents, every element of this exhibit highlights the interdependence of economic, social and cultural factors on communities. It truly evidences how local heritage inspires the designers of tomorrow to learn from what came before and support communities to continue to grow and flourish in a sustainable way.”
Emma Kilpatrick from Perth, Scotland, whose Bernat Klein and Borders moorland inspired textiles feature in the exhibit added: “I feel honoured to be part of this brilliant opportunity. It is exciting to have such an amazing museum so close to our campus. It is really fitting for the museum to be in Galashiels due to its rich textile history. When you are emersed in this textile culture, it pushes you to explore creative boundaries and new ideas every day.”
Explaining the significance to Galashiels Heartland of the Borders. Mike Gray, Chair of Energise Gala Trust said: “From humble beginnings, Galashiels and the Scottish Borders built a global reputation for quality fabric and design. The textile industry was the major employer in the region, shaping townscapes, social and economic history, and culture. It is incredibly apt that A Yarn Worth Spinning continues this rich story and shines shine a spotlight on all that is great about our town past, present and future and further supports other regeneration initiatives which Energise Galashiels Trust are delivering in our town centre.”
Marie Christie, Head of Development at VisitScotland said: "We are delighted to be supporting A Yarn Worth Spinning through the Year of Stories 2022 Community Stories Fund.
“Events play an important role in our communities as they sustain livelihoods and help to celebrate and promote our unique places, spaces and stories. Themed Years are all about collaboration and Museums Galleries Scotland, National Lottery Heritage Fund and VisitScotland are pleased to work in partnership to create this fund to showcase community stories.
“By supporting events taking place within our communities, including A Yarn Worth Spinning, new opportunities will be provided for locals and visitors to come together and find out more about the diverse stories, past and present, that our communities have to share.”
A Yarn Worth Spinning will be displayed in The Great Tapestry of Scotland’s Discovery Centre from Wednesday 6 July to 17 July. Entry to the exhibit is free for everyone. No booking is required.
The Great Tapestry of Scotland centre in Galashiels is operated by the charity Live Borders, which manages many of the cultural and leisure facilities in the Scottish Borders, including the five-star Jim Clark Motorsport Museum and the Heart of Hawick entertainment venue.
The architectural-award-winning building was purpose built to house The Great Tapestry of Scotland, which tells the people’s true story of Scotland from millions of years BC to present day. The brainchild of Alexander McCall Smith, tapestry is one of the world’s largest community arts projects. It was hand-stitched by a team of 1,000 stitchers from across Scotland, using 160 linen panels and over 300 miles of wool (enough to lay the entire length of Scotland from the border with England to the tip of Shetland). The panels were designed by artist Andrew Crummy, based on a narrative written by Scottish Borders-based award-winning writer and historian Alistair Moffat.
The centre is home to two galleries, a cafe and workshops that allow participants to meet and learn from makers. Grayson Perry’s Essex House Tapestries, which tell the life story of a fictional character Julie Cope, are currently on display in the Centre’s Gallery 1420 until 16 August. The centre is open to the public 7 days a week from 9.30am to 5pm and The Stitchers Cafe is open 9.30am to 4pm. Entry to a Yarn Worth Spinning is free.
Prices to view the Great Tapestry of Scotland and the Essex House Tapestries vary.
To book, or for more information visit greattapestryofscotland.com
Sponsored Links
Latest Edinburgh News
Dinosaur Day at Dobbies
Children attending Dobbies Little Seedlings Club will get the chance to travel back hundreds of millions of years to learn about prehistoric plants and talk about their favourite dinosaurs!
READ MORE
Manran to headline as Innis & Gunn bring the best of Scotland to the Mound for Fringe 2025
Scottish trad supergroup Mànran will headline a one-off live show on the Mound this month, as part of the return of Innis & Gunn's popular Edinburgh Festival Fringe takeover.
READ MORE
SUSHISAMBA Edinburgh launches the summer edition of its famed Champagne Afternoon Tea
SUSHISAMBA Edinburgh launches its famed Champagne Afternoon Tea, with a refreshing summer spin, whilst guests enjoy unparalleled views from the restaurant’s home on the 10th floor of W Edinburgh!
READ MORE
Traverse Theatre announces Autumn 2025 season
Hot on the heels of a thrilling TravFest25 programme, the Traverse Theatre has announced the first details of the exciting work audiences can look forward to seeing in the venue from September.
READ MORE
New Edinburgh hotspot, The West End Garden, opens in the grounds of St Marys Cathedral
Edinburgh's West End has welcomed an exciting new destination as Don't Tell Mama, the beloved local coffee shop, officially opens The West End Garden.
READ MORE
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh Launches Search for Director of Mischief
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is excited to announce the creation of a brand new role, adding the first-ever 'Director of Mischief' position to its team.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Zoo welcomes only sloth bear in Scotland
Edinburgh Zoo has welcomed Scotland’s only sloth bear, Cipísek, from Zlin Zoo in the Czech Republic.
READ MORE
Summer long celebration of the 90s and britpop launched
PubLife, a UK-wide summer celebration of the '90s will take place in over 500 pubs, including 7 in Scotland.
READ MORE
Family days out just got better with free entry for kids at Scone Palace
This summer, as school holidays get underway, families are invited to enjoy a day out at Scone Palace with their Kids Go Free promotion.
READ MORE
Scone Palace International Horse Trials
The inaugural Scone Palace International Horse Trials will take place from 21st–24th August 2025 in the stunning grounds of Scone Palace and Perth Racecourse.
READ MORE
Collective opens new programme inspired by the original panorama invented on Calton Hill
Today, Collective is delighted to announce and open a new programme, Panorama: New Views of a City, running from Wednesday 9 July to Sunday 21 December 2025.
READ MORE
Get Creative at the LEGO Edinburgh Store this Summer
This summer, The LEGO Group is excited to bring its new Summer Fun with Music Creativity Workshop directly to families in Edinburgh!
READ MORE
Countdown begins: The AJ Bell Great Scottish Run returns to Glasgow in October
Scotland's greatest running event, the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run, will return to Glasgow on Sunday 5th October and they want everyone to 'Be Your Greatest'.
READ MORE
Meet Elphaba, Glinda and Stitch inspired characters at Fort Kinnaird this summer
Families will have the chance to meet some of this year’s biggest blockbuster-inspired characters for free at Fort Kinnaird this summer, as part of a series of exciting meet and greet sessions.
READ MORE
The Famous Spiegeltent announces Edinburgh summer programme
This week, the globally acclaimed venue, The Famous Spiegeltent makes her grand return to St Andrew Square after almost a decade away from her spiritual home.
READ MORE
Community spirit is blooming in Newtongrange as award winning gardens are revealed
Newtongrange Community Council is now pleased to reveal the names of the green-fingered locals that stood out in this historic garden contest.
READ MORE
Dive into fun at Ocean Commotion Soft Play
Dynamic Earth launches its Toddler Tidal and Deep-Sea Discovery Zones in a bid provide accessible enrichment for little ones across the Capital.
READ MORE
DofE Gold Award holders were guests of honour at The Palace of Holyroodhouse
His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh welcomed Gold DofE Award holders to The Palace of Holyroodhouse this morning at a very special event to mark their achievements.
READ MORE
BTS fans take the spotlight in latest K Pop documentary heading to Vue
BTS Army: Forever We Are Young, a brand-new documentary celebrating the fans that helped catapult 21st century pop icons BTS into global stardom comes to Vue.
READ MORE
Plenty of summer family fun at Vue venues across Scotland
Family favourites and animated adventures are heading to the big screen this summer holiday at Vue venues across Scotland.
READ MORE
Capital Theatres celebrates history of Kings Theatre with launch of The Peoples Archive
Capital Theatres has today launched The People’s Archive, a digital exhibition that celebrates the rich history and cultural legacy of the King’s Theatre.
READ MORE
Mother and Daughter duo crowned ultimate Stitch fans in Edinburgh
A Disney-loving mum and her one-year-old daughter have been crowned Edinburgh’s biggest Stitch fans after winning a competition hosted by Fort Kinnaird.
READ MORE
Dinosaurs roar to life in a Jurassic takeover at Livingston Designer Outlet
Livingston Designer Outlet goes Jurassic crazy this July with lifelike dinosaurs, ranger training and endless photo opportunities for the whole family to enjoy.
READ MORE
Fife & Forth Bridge Steam Train Journey Announced
Departing on Saturday 29th November 2025 at from Edinburgh Waverley, this enchanting lunchtime journey will be led by the iconic 60532 Blue Peter.
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Film Festival announces 2025 Programme
Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) has today announced its programme of screenings and events for its 2025 edition.
READ MORE
GreenFox Energy powers up Party at the Palace with first solar festival stage in Scotland
Party at the Palace will host Scotland’s first solar-powered festival stage, the GreenFox Energy Breakthrough Stage, twinning clean energy and the joy of live music.
READ MORE
Gilded Balloon announce a star studded line up for special 40th anniversary shows
Gilded Balloon has unveiled a huge line-up of comedy stars to take part in a special ‘40 Years of Fringe’ in conversation series, to celebrate the venue’s 40th anniversary.
READ MORE
SAY Award opens submissions for eligible albums
Scotland’s national music prize – the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award – has opened submissions for 2025’s £20,000 prize.
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Film Festival announces 2025 Festival Footprint
Ahead of its programme launch on 2 July, EIFF venues will include Filmhouse, Cameo Cinema, Vue Omni and a new pop-up screen at National Galleries Scotland: National.
READ MORE
New dining chapter begins at Edinburgh restaurant inspired by famous author
One of Edinburgh’s most popular city centre restaurants has started a new dining chapter at its famous Castle Street venue.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links