Garioch Heritage Centre welcomes the Prestonpans Tapestry
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The Garioch Heritage Centre which re-opens to the public on Thursday, April 29 will host an exciting new exhibition - The Prestonpans Tapestry.
Commissioned by the Battle of Prestonpans (1745) Heritage Trust and designed by Cockenzie based artist Andrew Crummy, the tapestry incorporates over 10 million stitches created by over 200 volunteers and at 104m long it is one of the longest in the world.
It depicts the journey made by Jacobite, Bonnie Prince Charlie from France through the Scottish Highlands to victory at the Battle of Prestonpans in 1745.
Arran Johnston, the Trust’s exhibitions manager, says it is fitting that the Prestonpans Tapestry is being displayed in the north-east: “Prestonpans and Inverurie are both the scenes of Jacobite successes in 1745, so this exhibition marks a significant historical connection between our communities.
"The Tapestry’s combination of stitching and storytelling makes it a very compelling display, and we are excited to share that with the Garioch Heritage Centre’s visitors.”
Nora Radcliffe, Treasurer for the Garioch Heritage Society said “We are absolutely thrilled to be re-opening to the public and to be hosting such a prestigious exhibition.
"It is the public’s only chance to be able to see the Tapestry this year and we look forward to welcoming lots of visitors to see it”
The Battle of Prestonpans was the first battle of the last Jacobite uprising in 1745, and saw Charles Edward Stuart - Bonnie Prince Charlie, lead an inexperienced Highland army to victory over professional redcoat troops led by General Sir John Cope.
The battle has been commemorating in song, literature and art ever since.
The Tapestry and Centre are open Thursday – Sunday, 10 am – 4 pm until Sunday, August 8.
Tickets cost £5 for adults and £4 for concessions, children (under 16) are free and there is no need to book tickets.
