Tapestry to mark 700 years since Declaration of Arbroath.

Town gearing up for 700th anniversary of key document

A special tapestry is being made to mark the 700th anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath.

A group of Angus needlework enthusiasts have started working on a three-panel tapestry commemorating Arbroath Abbey and its history.

Members of Angus Embroidery and Textile Artists carried out months of research to ensure the work is as close as possible to those of the medieval tapestries that once hung on the walls of the famous abbey.

“To our delight, Andrew Crummy, the designer of the Great Tapestry of Scotland, agreed to design the Arbroath 2020 Tapestry,” said embroiderer Linda Walker, who is a member of Angus Embroidery and Textile Artists.

“Andrew has given us a stunning and intricate design which reflects the history of the abbey, the heritage of Arbroath and the importance of the Declaration of Arbroath.

“We hope to ensure our threads and our stitches are as close as possible to those of the medieval tapestries that would have hung on the walls of Arbroath Abbey. LINDA WALKER

“It’s wonderful to make a start on the Arbroath 2020 Tapestry. After many months of researching, we hope to ensure our threads and our stitches are as close as possible to those of the medieval tapestries that would have hung on the walls of Arbroath Abbey.”

Yesterday, the first stitches were made in the tapestry, which was inspired by the Great Tapestry of Scotland, and tells the story of Arbroath Abbey, where the Declaration of Arbroath was signed on April 6 1320.

The highly skilled embroiderers are devoting the next year or so to working on the project, which will be an important part of the celebrations taking place in Arbroath during 2020.

“Plans are under way for a year-long programme of events to celebrate the 700th anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath,” said Chic Grant, vicechairman of the Arbroath 2020 group.

“The Declaration of Arbroath was recently recognised as the most important document in the history of Scotland and ‘the most eloquent statement of the case for a nation’s claim to freedom produced anywhere in medieval Europe’.

“We are determined Arbroath’s celebrations are worthy of such a momentous slice of history and the scale and beauty of this tapestry shows just how much the local community treasures Arbroath Abbey.”

gstrachan@thecourier.co.uk

Picture: Kris Miller.