Last stitch sewn into the world’s longest tapestry

THE LONGEST tapestry in the world has had its final stitch sewn by the Scottish Parliament’s presiding officer.

Tricia Marwick, MSP for Mid Fife and Glenrothes, was joined by the artist who designed the tapestry, Andrew Crummy, and stitch coordinator, Dorie Wilkie, to complete the 143m (469ft) work of art.

Three panels out of the 160 that capture 420 million years in Scotland’s history were on show at Holyrood yesterday.

One thousand stitchers have worked on the project, which has taken more than 50,000 hours to complete.

Mrs Marwick said: “This has been a mammoth undertaking and I want to thank all those that have worked so tirelessly to bring this project to life.

“Their hard work and imagination has resulted in a truly breathtaking piece of art, which generations will enjoy.”

The tapestry will be unveiled in its entirety at the Scottish Parliament in September.

It illustrates the history of Scotland from when it was trapped in ice and carved by glaciers to the reconvening of the Scottish Parliament in 1999.

The tale is also told of Scotland’s developments in science, culture, industry and politics.

Panels dedicated to parts of Courier Country history include St Margaret at Dunfermline in 1080, St Andrews Cathedral, Bannockburn, the establishment of St Andrews University in 1413, Adam Smith’s The Wealth of Nations, the Discovery sailing from Dundee, jute and Journalism and Glenrothes.

Alexander McCall Smith, who developed the project alongside Mr Crummy and historian Alistair Moffat, said: “The creation of this wonderful tapestry has been an experience of sheer joy.

“Not only has the team of artist and stitchers created a stunning record of Scotland’s history, but the project has brought together hundreds of people in all parts of Scotland in joint artistic endeavour.

“In the many hours that the stitchers have spent together they have experienced the pleasure of making something permanent and beautiful — they have felt what it is to create art with others and they have found friendship.

“I salute the visionary artist, Andrew Crummy, and his team of hundreds, led by Dorie Wilkie.”

Pictures: Andrew Cowan. Above: Dorie Wilkie, right, helps presiding officer Tricia Marwick sew the final stitch in the tapestry. Right: Mrs Marwick with the tapestry’s Glenrothes panel.