When Galashiels was chosen as the permanent home for The Great Tapestry of Scotland, a new panel was created to celebrate the rich history and community spirit of the Scottish Borders. This decision sparked enthusiasm, and many people participated in public events where they had the opportunity to “add a stitch” to the panel. Those who contributed were recorded in a database in the main gallery, creating a lasting record of their involvement. 

Andrew Crummy, the Tapestry’s artist, designed the ‘Welcome’ panel to reflect the region’s local history and its nationally significant stories. He depicted the Scottish Borders landscape, showcasing its rolling hills and river networks through the clothing of the central figures. These figures represent key historical roles in the region’s history: a farmer, millworker, monk, Border Reiver, and fisherwoman. The River Tweed and its tributaries flow across the figures, connecting them to the eastern sea. 

A competition for schoolchildren added a unique element to the panel, with their drawings adorning the edges in framed sections (scroll down for more). Their contributions brought modern history into the design, highlighting aspects such as sports, modern farming techniques, the local book festival, and cycling. These were displayed alongside references to significant local landmarks, including castles, abbeys, stately homes, and monuments. 

Timeline: 

Drawing and design completed 2019 

Panel completed in 2021 for the opening of the Visitor Centre. 

Outside Boxes

We invite you to scroll down to find out more about the content and narrative of the boxes around the main panel from the Stitchers themselves. Click on each box to discover more. If you are a Stitcher and can help us fill information gaps please let us know, thank you.

Border Stitchers 

• Shepherd           Smailholm Stitchers (Great Tapestry Stitchers Group) 
• Millworker         Carole Oliver and Kathleen Hughes (Bowden) 
• Monk                  Kirsty Robb (Kelso), Barbara Whitelaw (Galashiels) 
• Border Reiver    Stitchers o’ Stow (Great Tapestry Stitchers Group) 
• Millworker          ReTweed (Eyemouth), Mary Richardson 

Welcome Panel Stitchers 

Amanda Runciman, Anna Houston, Avril Brown, Deborah Wood, Denise Hunter, Dorothy Small, Elizabeth Simm, Fiona Brown, Helen Houston, Margaret Skea, Mary Richardson, Patrica McMahon, Sally Scott Aiton, Serpil Renton, Susie Finlayson, Veronica Ross.