Burghead Bull tapestry goes on display at Nairn Library

The tapestry panel, titled The Burghead Bull, created by the stitchers group - Threads of Nairn, is one of over 50 panels brought to life by the hands of more than 600 stitchers from communities across the Highlands and Islands. Each panel tells a unique story, reflecting the area's spirit, traditions and contemporary life. Twenty-nine panels will be included in the first exhibition in the North Tower Gallery at The Inverness Castle Experience.

The Inverness Castle project is part of the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal, a joint initiative supported by up to £315m investment from the UK and Scottish governments, The Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the University of the Highlands and Islands, aimed at stimulating sustainable regional economic growth.

The Burghead Bull design, inspired by ancient Pictish carvings, is embroidered in vivid shades of red, amber and yellow on a moss green tweed background. This design draws inspiration from a group of carved Pictish stones discovered in the 19th century during demolition works in Burghead, Moray.

Although most were lost, six original carvings survive in museums across Scotland and London. The tapestry panel now hanging in Nairn Library invites residents and visitors to appreciate the extraordinary craftsmanship and storytelling behind it, celebrating both artistry and cultural significance.

Nairn and Cawdor Highland Councillors Laurie Fraser and Barbara Jarvie were delighted to go along to the library to see the panel and meet the stitchers. The event was a moment of celebration for the wider community and a chance to acknowledge the dedication of the volunteers and artists involved.

Cllr Ian Brown, Leader of Inverness City and Area and Co-chair of the Inverness Castle Project Delivery Group, said:
"The Tapestry of the Highlands and Islands is a wonderful example of creativity rooted in community spirit. The arrival of the Burghead Bull in Nairn is a proud moment and a reminder of the power of shared stories to connect us across generations and geography. It’s an incredible achievement by all involved."

Speaking at the event, the Provost of Nairn, Cllr Laurie Fraser, said: “It’s wonderful to see such an impressive piece of community art on display here in Nairn. Projects like this are visually stunning and bring people together to celebrate the stories that make our region special.”

The panel will remain on display at Nairn Library for the public to view during regular opening hours. 

The Tapestry of the Highlands and Islands was part of the Spirit of the Highlands and Islands project, which has now concluded, aimed to inspire exploration of the region through contemporary stories and creative expression. 

The Tapestry of the Highlands and Islands project was supported by a grant from the Natural and Cultural Heritage Fund (NCHF), led by NatureScot and part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

The Inverness Castle Experience project, opening later this year, will benefit from £30m in investment to support its redevelopment from the Scottish and UK governments, The Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and a range of other partners.