THE Great Tapestry of Scotland has announced details of its Anniversary Weekend events diary.
On Friday September 1 2023 the new Commemorative Royal Panel will be positioned in its permanent display area.
The first royal panel to be added to the Tapestry since 2013 was specially designed to reflect the significance of Their Majesties visit to the centre earlier this year, and The Queen’s appreciation of embroidery, which was so evident in her stunning Couture Coronation gown, hand embroidered by the Royal School of Needlework.
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In keeping with the design of the dress there are intricate hidden details stitched into the new panel which reflected The King and Queen’s greatest interests in life including nature, wildflowers, The King’s own book, The Old Man Lochnagar and The Queen’s Jack Russells Beth and Bluebell.
On Saturday September 2 (national Doors Open Day) - The Stitchers Diaries will be unveiled at 10am, noon and 2pm.
Spaces to view the diaries are free, but limited, and must be booked in advance.
Book your place at: greattapestryofscotland.com.
Visit doorsopendays.org.uk/whats-on for more information.
Note entry to view the tapestry during Doors Open Day is not free.
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On Sunday September 3 from 10am to 4pm - The Coat of Hopes will visit the centre. The patchwork pilgrim coat has been made, worn and walked by hundreds of people over hundreds of miles from Newhaven on the south coast of England to the gates of COP 26, the UN climate summit, in Glasgow autumn 2021.
Its pilgrimage continues in 2023, and it will come to The Great Tapestry of Scotland following its current visit to Edinburgh.
It will be displayed in the visitor centre on, where visitors will also be given an opportunity to add their own patch telling of their ‘griefs, remembrances, prayers and hopes.’
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The brainchild of author Alexander McCall Smith, the Great Tapestry of Scotland tells the people’s story of Scotland through over 160 panels, from millions of years BC to present day.
It was designed by artist Andrew Crummy from a narrative by historian Alistair Moffat and handstitched by over 1,000 people from across Scotland.
When the Tapestry’s purpose built permanent five-star visitor centre first opened its doors in Galashiels in 2021, Alexander McCall Smith said this marked “the beginning of the public life of one of the great artistic creations of our time.”
Its opening was welcomed by a number of well-known figures, including Outlander TV star Sam Heughan who Tweeted: “Please check out the wonderful Great Tapestry of Scotland.”
The five-star centre has gone on to achieve great global media and visitor acclaim, with many describing it as one of Scotland’s ‘must-see’ attractions.
In addition to two galleries, the visitor centre is home to a café, retail space and Discovery Centre. It is currently open 7 days a week 9.30am to 5pm. Ticket prices vary.
For more information, including opening times and ticket prices, visit greattapestryofscotland.com
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