The Waiting's over at Borrodale and Kinlochmoidart: - the Tapestry Arrived!

The Waiting's Certainly Over

It was at Borrodale, and then later at Kinlochmoidart House, that the Prince waited in July/ August 1745 to see whether or not the Clans would come out for him. After Cameron of Lochiel had agreed he would, and the Glengarrys, he was reasonably certain, but it was a nerve wracking wait nonetheless.

No cause for concern now, however. The Prince [aka Arran Johnston] accompanied by Fiona Campbell was joined by fellow Trustees Peter MacKenzie and Kristine Cunningham, Panel Beaters Dorie Wilkie and Marietta di Ciaccia, all to ensure the Tapestry was finely exhibited at Astley Hall.

It was not all that long ago, September 2009, that the Trustees had been in the very same Hall with Ann Lamont's magnificent support [she who also edits Westword] recruiting stitchers for the local panels. So it was a great pleasure to make the return not only with the full story thereabouts as now retold on panels 10 - 18 but in particular to have Christine Haynes/ Pauline Elwell of Morar and Helen Brodie/ Vera MacDonald of Arisaig standing proudly by their artwork as pictured below.

click on photographs to enlarge


The 'Official' Report lately received from the Tapestry Touring Team reads ..

'The first display of the Tapestry on the Scottish mainland was extremely well received, with locals and tourists alike flocking to the exhibition in Astley Hall. Here it was that the Battle Trustees had originally tested the local enthusiasm for the tapestry project, and so it was a great pleasure to return with the finished article.

'On Tuesday evening, August 3rd, Arran Johnston gave a talk to the assembled visitors explaining the background to the battle in Prestonpans, what occurred, and why it is important to preserve its memory. Once the Prince's 'own' Drambuie - saved since the visit the previous year - had been served [more popular than the coffee alternative!], the audience studied the Tapestry and applauded the local stitchers who were present.



'When the exhibition closed on Wednesday afternoon an impressive 369 visitors had been recorded! The Tour Team wish to express their gratitude for the wealth of support forthcoming from the local community for the occasion and for promoting it ahead of their arrival. Arran and Fiona are now preparing for the next leg of the Tour, stopping briefly in Edinburgh to restock with flyers, books, and children’s activity sheets, all of which have been proving extremely popular.

'We have also arranged for the first school formally to visit to the Tapestry at our Fort William exhibition - another learning experience coming up.'

...from the field ... Carol-Ann Preacher emails ....

"Viewed the tapestry in Arisaig just after its launch. What an amazing piece of work and record of this important period in scottish history. As a teacher who has taught the Jacobites theme to primary children, I think it is a wonderful resource.

"My own 8 year old grandson was thrilled to be given permission to take video of certain sections which were of personal interest. Well done to all!"