Waiting for art group to restart?

Posted on January 14, 2016 Updated on January 14, 2016

We’re all looking forward to the start of classes again on February 3 but if you are looking for some inspiration in the new few weeks, there’s a wee distraction just up the road.

Inverness Museum and Art Gallery is showing The Great Tapestry of Scotland – the longest tapestry in the world.

This project was developed by Scottish writer Alexander McCall Smith, artist Andrew Crummy and historical writer Alistair Moffat, and aims to depict Scotland’s history, science, culture, industry and politics over the centuries.

At 143m (or nearly 470ft) long, it is a record-breaking piece of work and was completed by volunteers across the country. It was unveiled to the public for the first time at the Scottish Parliament in September 2013.

Now a series of panels from the tapestry is on display at Inverness Museum, including historical events such as the Jacobite Uprisings, the Highland Clearances, and cultural aspects like sheep shearing, Highland Games and shinty.

The museum’s winter opening hours are:

• Tuesday – Friday: 12pm-4pm
• Saturday 11am-4pm

The exhibition is on until February 20.

And if you feel inspired by that visit to the museum, you might want to take part in this consultation on the future development of Castle Hill.

There’s moves afoot for the courts to vacate the castle in the next few years. High Life Highland, which runs the museum on behalf of Highland Council, is asking for views on what the castle should be used for. There are also plans for developing and upgrading the museum and gallery.

More information can be found by clicking here.

Of course, you could just pick up a pencil or paintbrush and get cracking on work for the exhibition in April… Not long to go! 😉