Scottish volunteers preview world’s longest tapestry

By Christine Lavelle

THE world’s longest tapestry was unveiled today at a private preview for the 200 Scottish volunteers who helped create it.

Stitchers from all over the country arrived to see their panels of work finally combined, together telling the story of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s early campaign.

It measures 104 metres and consists of more than 10 million stitches, taking the embroiderers almost 18 months to finish.

Debuted in Prestonpans, East Lothian – where the historical story is set – the tapestry will now go on tour around Scotland starting in Eriskay next weekend, before coming home to Prestonpans in September.

Unique Jacobite sword scrap set for auction

By Michael MacLeod

A TINY part of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s sword will go on auction next month.

A scrap of red felt lining from the Jacobite leader’s sword handle is expected to raise around £500.

Auctioneers have no idea whether the hilt was on the sword used by Charles Edward Stewart during his unsuccessful Jacobite rebellion in 1745.

But they claim the triangular scrap was found hidden in a tree trunk along with a gold watch and chain by woodsman in Dumfries in the late 19th century.