DON’T MISS

BONNIE Prince Charlie’s jacket, a dress embellished with the elytra (hardened wing) of a jewel beetle and a fisherman’s gansey (woollen jumper) are just a few of the items on show in a new online exhibition exploring the history of people in northern Scotland.

Highland Threads is a virtual exhibition staged by 14 museums across the Highlands. A treasured costume from each museum’s collection features alongside stories of the people who made the cloth, who wore the clothes and where they were produced.

The exhibition, which launches this Thursday (April 1) can be found at www.highlandthreads.co.uk.

As part of the digital show, a 360 video presentation of each costume, alongside close up shots of stitching, pattern and texture, aims to provide an experience close to viewing the item in real life. A programme of online events will give an opportunity to delve deeper into Highland clothing stories, including a partnership with creative industries network, XpoNorth, and its Heritage As a Creative Future series, which looks at the role the heritage of textiles can play in design, creation and storytelling in the future.

Some of the costumes will also be on display at the various museums as and when Covid-19 restitutions allow. An online map shows were the museums are located. Helen Avenell, Partnerships and Projects Manager at Museums and Heritage Highlands explains: “The diversity of museums across the Highlands is reflected in the varied selection of items in this exhibition. Each costume tells a fascinating story and is a conduit to exploring our Highland heritage.

“Some garments have a strong military connection, some – like the Gairloch hose and fisherman’s gansey – are steeped in a rich history of the place they were made. Like the child’s knitted swimsuit, some provide a glimpse into a past that will resonate with many.