Tapestry draws crowds to Crieff
More than 100 visitors a day are flocking to see the Scottish Diaspora Tapestry, which is currently on show in Crieff.
The vast piece of artwork can be seen daily from 10am to 4pm up to and including this Saturday in Morrison’s Academy’s Games Hall.
June McEwan of Crieff Arts Festival, which has organised the exhibition, told the Herald: “I am really pleased with how many people are coming.
“Every day we are getting more than 100 visitors, averaging about 120 a day, which is amazing.
“They are coming from all over - some tourists and some locals, with many coming from further afield especially to see it.
“Some have come who saw it in St Giles Cathedral where there was not much space to appreciate it properly – but here in Morrison’s Academy we have just the right light, and space to stand back and take in the things depicted in the panels.”
Visitors are finding the 329 handstitched pieces from all corners of the globe fascinating in their detail.
But there is more to the work than just its visual display, as each piece chronicles the impact the Scots have had throughout the world – and a handy app for phones and tablets means visitors can scan a panel and instantly discover the story behind it.
June added no ‘presumptions’ should be made regarding any potential links between the iconic artwork and those travelling from further afield to see it – although there have been a few pleasant surprises.
She said: “Our top celebrity visitor is the Strath’s Mary Dick Smith who turns out to be the great- granddaughter of Dr David Livingstone, who is also in a panel.
“We have also had amazingly interesting visitors – a man came in who was the headmaster at a school in India that is depicted in one of the panels.
“I love everything about this – the colour, the stories and the skills that have gone into it.
“Lots of people have downloaded the app before they come in, and Morrison’s has been very helpful in allowing us access to their wifi so that people can download the app.”
Every day were are getting more than 100 visitors