It’s not every day you get the chance to contribute to an artwork that will be seen by thousands of people – but on Saturday 23 September, Borders Railway Community Partnership (BRCP) are giving you the chance to do just that.
BRCP are inviting members of the public to add a stitch or two to their new welcome tapestry which will be displayed in Galashiels Transport Interchange. The panel extends and promotes the work of the Great Tapestry of Scotland, housed in the nearby visitor centre just a few minutes’ walk away from the Interchange. The museum displays Scotland’s history and culture in 160 panels and, at more than 140m (450ft) long, is Europe’s largest tapestry.
Members of BRCP will be travelling to and from Edinburgh with the Transport Tapestry panel on Saturday 23 September. You can find them on the 09:21 and 13:50 ScotRail services from Tweedbank, the 11:13 and 16:13 services from Edinburgh, and on the platform at Edinburgh Waverley between 3-4pm.
In keeping with the Great Tapestry of Scotland’s ethos, they hope that as many people as possible take the opportunity to contribute. For continuation, the new Transport Interchange panel has also been designed by the original artist, Andrew Crummy.
Judith Cleghorn, Secretary of BRCP, said: “The Borders Railway has been transformational in bringing people together and energising local communities. As part of the growing community rail movement in Scotland, we recognise the importance of integrated, reliable public transport – not just in transporting local people into the central belt and providing connectivity between local communities, but also in growing sustainable tourism in the area.
“Much of our work over the next year will be encouraging more people to use the train to visit attractions such as the Great Tapestry. We’re so grateful for funding from CrossCountry as well as support from ScotRail on this project.”
Caroline Thompson-Noble, Community Rail Network’s sustainable travel engagement co-ordinator in Scotland, said: “Borders Railway Community Partnership recognise the significant role of public transport, not only from a social and economic perspective, but also in terms of climate. Ensuring its inclusion in the tapestry was vital to the group, as was involving as many as people as possible in its creation. We’re hopeful that the finished article will initiate many conversations on Scotland’s transport future, amongst local people and visitors.”
Alex Bray, Stakeholder Liaison Manager at CrossCountry, said: “CrossCountry are proud to support the work of Borders Railway Community Rail Partnership in creating a masterpiece tapestry that, when finished, will provide an iconic gateway to the community. Encouraging everyone to be a part of the project reflects the strong community spirit found across Scotland’s growing community rail movement.”
