Following a national competition, a number of artistic reflections of Scotland by amateur and professional artists (of all ages) have been selected by the globally renowned author Alexander McCall Smith to feature in an opening exhibit charting the story of Covid-19 lockdown in Scotland at The Great Tapestry of Scotland.
Winners include Galashiels based artist Margot Montgomerie with her imagining of Arran from Prestwick seafront, and a digital picture showcasing Up Helly AA by 9 year old Ally Pritchard from Tweedbank.
Revealing the winning entries, Sandy Maxwell-Forbes, Great Tapestry of Scotland Centre Director said: “Our Reflections of a Nation exhibit will bring the Tapestry’s wonderfully moving people’s story of Scottish history, heritage and culture (from millions of years BC to 2013) right up to present day, when our new visitor centre opens this summer.
“We were overwhelmed with the great variety and volume of moving submissions that we received for this exhibit. It was incredibly tough to shortlist entries as the standard was so high, however we are delighted with the winners Alexander McCall Smith has selected. They each tell of quite different reflections that I’m sure many of those who live in or love Scotland can relate to.”
Alexander McCall Smith said Margot’s picture was “a vivid, beautifully balanced and intriguing picture. Full of life. A remarkable work”, and he described Ally’s as “A very mature and well composed picture.”
One of the world’s longest tapestries, the Great Tapestry of Scotland tells a compelling account of Scotland’s history, heritage and culture through 160 panels, many of which also feature Borders’ connections.
In addition to housing the Tapestry and the Reflections of a Nation exhibit, the building will host a range of visiting exhibits, tours and workshops.
For more information visit liveborders.org.uk/gtos or follow @GreatTapestrySc on Facebook or Twitter, and @GreatTapestryScotland on Instagram.
