2473

The Ullapool News Team would like to wish all our Readers a very Happy Easter.

 

Have you got a photo?
February 1st 2023 marks the formation of the Fire Service in Coigach. I have a fairly large collection of both documents and photos from that date which I hope to turn into a small booklet to mark the first 50 years.
I have over the years sought, unsuccessfully, a photo of the original shed in its original location. That was adjacent to the east side of the Summer Isles Hotel ln Achiltibuie until 1978, when it was moved to the rear of the Roads Depot.
If anyone has a photo, Monochrome or better in Colour, I would be delighted to get a copy. A donation will be made to the Fire Fighters Charity in exchange for a satisfactory copy.
You can get in touch with me by mobile, 07704 408521 or post, A Armitstead, Achiltibuie, Ullapool IV26 2YS
Alastair Armitstead

*****

SEED POTATO GIVEAWAY!
We have lots of seed potatoes to give away as part of Seed Swap Extra at Elphin Tea Rooms. So anyone who hasn’t got theirs yet or fancies trying a different variety, bring a bag and get a potato takeaway!
Varieties include: Maris Bard; Charlotte; Sarpo Una; Sunset; Arran Victory; Pink Fir Apple.
These are the surplus stock from Transition Black Isle’s (TBI) annual potato initiative which they have kindly passed on to us, as all their markets have finished.
Our thanks to TBI for their generosity, and to Lesley Robb in particular for arranging this, as well as donating a whole lot of her pea and broad bean seed to our Swap.
Rosie and Cathy
“Ullapool Seed Savers”

*****

Call for stitchers! Major community art project seeks stitchers from across the Highlands and Islands
The team behind the Inverness Castle Project are
working with the creative figures responsible for The
Great Tapestry of Scotland on a new project, creating
an embroidered tapestry that captures the Spirit of the
Highlands and Islands.
The team need your help and are seeking volunteer
stitchers from around the Highlands and Islands to
create bespoke community panels.
Inverness Castle Project Officer Sophie Gartshore said:
“We need people’s help to create a network of stitchers
who are resident in the Highlands and Islands. Together
these stitchers will work with the Tapestry Team, pick
up a needle and yarn, and add to the wonderful themes
which are being developed.
“Prior sewing/textile experience is beneficial, but not
essential. Where necessary we will endeavour to
connect inexperienced stitchers with others who have
experience and can help to advise and guide the
process. We would encourage as many people as
possible to become involved.”
Project Co-ordinator for the Tapestry Team Anna
Marshall said: “We are seeking stitchers from
communities across the Highlands and Islands to get
involved to help us to embellish the images created by
our team using crewel wool and a variety of stitching
techniques to enliven and adorn the basic fabric.
“There are also opportunities for those who don’t have a
desire to stitch – the project will need logistical and
practical support with equipment and outreach activities
so the team are also keen to hear from anyone who
might be interested in volunteering their skills in
joinery, textile production, or performance and
workshop delivery.”
The tapestry will be designed by artist Andrew
Crummy – designer of The Prestonpans
Tapestry, The Great Tapestry of Scotland, The
Scottish Diaspora Tapestry and many others.
Historian Alistair Moffat will curate the content,
drawing inspiration from stories submitted by
local communities and utilising his vast
knowledge of Scottish history and culture.
Alistair will develop an outline ­– which reflects
community stories exploring the connection between
people and landscape in the Highlands and Islands –
and will then work with Andrew Crummy to design an
array of stunning images which embody the Spirit of the
Highlands and Islands.
Reflecting the Spirit of the Highlands and Islands
theme, the project will encourage people to visit all
parts of the Highlands and Islands in a sustainable way.

Each panel will be allocated to a voluntary stitching
group. These groups may vary in size from just a
couple of people to a dozen or more.
Volunteers are invited to apply as individuals or as part
of an existing group who want to stitch together. Those
applying as individuals will be introduced to other
stitchers from their local area to form new groups.
Panels will be stitched in homes and cultural hubs
across the Highlands and Islands. Stitching is expected
to start in early summer 2022, and all sewing must be
complete by early 2023, at which point a team will prepare
them for exhibition. Some panels will be designed for
exhibition in the Castle, others will be designed for
exhibition in local areas.
The tapestry is being created as part of the Spirit of the
Highlands and Islands project which will be delivered in
partnership with VisitScotland and aims to generate
benefits for local communities, helping to unlock economic
potential and improve visitor experiences across the
region by engaging people with our rich natural and
cultural heritage.
It is 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 project will benefit from £30m
investment to support its re-development from the Scottish
and UK Governments, The Highland Council, Highlands
and Islands Enterprise and a range of other partners.
The Inverness Castle project is part of the Inverness and
Highland City Region deal, which is a joint initiative
supported by up to £315m investment from the UK and
Scottish governments, The Highland Council, Highlands
and Islands Enterprise and University of the Highlands and
Islands, aimed at stimulating sustainable regional
economic growth.’
Applications to volunteer can be made online at:
www.spiritofthehighlands.com/spirit-journey-tapestryregistration/
Alternatively, request a registration pack by emailing
anna.marshall@janrutherford.co.uk
Or by writing to: Anna Marshall, Spirit of the Highlands
Tapestry, 5 West Stanhope Place, Edinburgh, EH12 5HQ