A partially sighted Perth pensioner is enjoying a well-earned rest after helping to create the world’s longest tapestry.
With a global record all sewn up, 86-year-old Elizabeth Carmichael enjoyed the congratulations of her daughter Joan Kerr, who also took part in the epic quest.
They were among hundreds of volunteers from all over the world who stitched the design charting Bonnie Prince Charlie’s journey from South Uist to the Battle of Prestonpans in 1745.
The tapestry, created by artist Andrew Crummy, is about 30 metres longer than the world-famous Bayeux masterpiece.
Ms Carmichael, who describes herself as a lifelong embroidery enthusiast, said her sight problems had not stopped her from jumping at the chance to create a panel for the tapestry.
She said she was “delighted” to count herself among 200 dedicated volunteers who took over 25,000 hours to produce the piece.
The tapestry, unveiled for the first time this week, consists of more than 10 million stitches. It is now set to embark on a tour of Scotland, arriving in the Fair City in September.
The 104m-long tapestry tells the story of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s early campaign in 1745.
Both Elizabeth and Joan were present when it was unveiled to the world’s media earlier this week, an event they described as hugely exciting.
Each of the separate 1m by 46cm panels features a scene from the journey of the prince and his followers, from the time he landed in Scotland in August of 1745, to their resounding victory at Prestonpans in September.
Each of the panels was embroidered by individuals or groups from around Scotland and beyond.
Most are based in communities along the Prince’s route, but many come from further afield, including Australia, the USA, France and Ireland.
Commissioned by the Battle of Prestonpans Heritage Trust, the work was inspired by the 11th century Bayeux Tapestry but ended up comfortably outmeasuring it.
Andrew Crummy, the artist who researched and designed the 104 panels, said, “When we started work on the tapestry over a year ago, we had no idea of how much enthusiasm there would be among people to get involved, or what the quality of work would be.
“In both respects we have been absolutely astounded.
“People from all walks of life came forward to take on a panel so much so that our tapestry grew from 80 panels to 104, to accommodate everyone who wanted to take part and elements of the story we had initially overlooked.”
Mr Crummy had high praise for Elizabeth and her fellow volunteers, adding, “Although we knew some of the stitchers were very experienced and would produce high quality work, we have been blown away by the work of everyone even those that had never attempted embroidery before.
“Many of the stitchers worked in groups, or met regularly to compare notes, and that also really pushed up the standard as an element of healthy competition developed.
“The result has been a truly amazing tapestry which I am sure will impress audiences for decades to come.
“Perhaps one day it will become as famous as the Bayeux.”
Elizabeth said she shared a sense of “achievement and pride” following completion of the “incredible” tapestry.
It is envisaged that the piece will become a key exhibit in the living history centre planned for a location close to the site of the battle in Prestonpans.