Nimble-fingered volunteers from Culross Needlework Group have finished an ornate bedspread that will grace Falkland Palace.
It is a loving recreation of a 17th-century piece of embroidery too fragile to be displayed. Now, thanks to the group, the work can be seen by the public.
The National Trust for Scotland property, one of Mary Queen of Scots’ favourite places, is well known for its tapestry gallery and the fabrics on show throughout.
The piece, funded by the trust’s west Fife members’ group, uses crewel wool from Appletons and hand-woven Jacobean linen twill made by Angus Weavers at the House of Dun in Angus, another NTS property.
Dilys Campbell, one of the volunteers involved, said women of the Culross Needlework Group had worked for two to three years mostly during the long winter months to complete it.
“The group is made up of about 10 retired ladies who give their time voluntarily and enjoy very much working on many types of embroidery,” she said.
“The piece was worked, like the original, in separate panels. This enabled more people to work simultaneously on it. They were then joined together, the links matched and completed.
“The bottom frieze of the hunting scene was then produced as one.”
Falkland Palace property manager Karen Caldwell said, “It is an honour to add this stunning creation to the palace collection. We are in awe of the time, talent and dedication needed to create a work of this quality.
“It’s also an excellent partnership between three National Trust for Scotland properties.”
The cover will be on display in the Keeper’s Bedroom.