The Tapestry reaches Edinburgh and opens with an Explosion of Colour and Sound!
The flags of each nation represented in the Tapestry are flying from the soaring arches of St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral in tribute to our global network of stitchers and volunteers, and to the generations of Scots migrants who have inspired them. Beneath those flags run the 198 panels which are currently complete, meaning another 31 embroideries have arrived since our exhibition in Stirling!
Representatives and consuls from many of the 25 countries in the Tapestry joined the celebrations as the exhibition opened, many even bringing platters of edible delights from their home countries, as over four hundred people gathered in the cathedral last night. The Provost welcomed the assembly on behalf of the Cathedral, before introducing Cabinet Secretary Fiona Hyslop MSP, who commended the stitchers and organisers on their amazing work in capturing a snapshot of Scotland’s global legacy. The Consul of Ireland spoke on behalf of the consular corps, and our own Gordon Prestoungrange explained the origins, purpose, and future hopes of the Tapestry. Stirring words word followed by the skirl of the pipes, before the stunning voice of Ana Filogonio, stitcher of Brazilian panel BR03, led the way as we all sang Auld Lang Syne. Musical accompaniment provided by the Cathedral included the organ and a quartet of trumpeters from their music school. A dramatic finale saw all the colour and vibrancy of South African song and dance flood the nave, courtesy of the Tshwane Gospel Choir from Pretoria.
What better way to open our Capital Exhibition!