Sometimes the most meaningful way to remember someone is not through words, but through something made with love by the people whose lives they touched.

At Eden Court in Inverness, a beautiful handmade blanket is helping keep the memory of much loved Highland musician Iain Gordon Macfarlane alive, bringing together the grief, affection and cherished memories of those who knew him.

The Cuddle Blanket has been created by members of Centred Scotland’s Discovery College community following Iain’s death in December 2025.

It forms part of this October’s Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival before travelling to Thurso and eventually returning to the Discovery College.

The idea came from fellow Discovery College visitor Burd Brown, who wanted to bring people together to create something meaningful in Iain’s memory.

Burd, who shares her own recovery journey, invited people through Facebook to make individual patches reflecting their personal memories, feelings and experiences.

Each contribution would become part of a larger blanket, joining together the stories and emotions of people whose lives had been touched by Iain.

Sessions at the Discovery College brought people with different abilities and experiences together to work on the project, creating something that was as much about shared connection as the finished artwork.

Burd Brown said:

“I was amazed at the response to the idea, and the result is far more spectacular than I ever imagined.

“I am grateful to all those who put their effort into contributing and to the Discovery College for supporting the idea and enabling it to turn into a reality.

“Please go along and have a look.”

Discovery College provides a free and welcoming space for people experiencing mental health difficulties and addiction, offering support without the need for a GP referral, appointment or waiting list.

The service, which recently received a Community Initiative Award, helps people build connections, develop coping strategies and find support before difficulties reach crisis point.

For those involved in creating the blanket, the project offered an opportunity to remember a friend while supporting one another through the experience of loss.

Iain’s family have also been involved, ensuring the tribute reflects the affection felt for him by those closest to him and the wider community.

Sue Lyons, Discovery College Manager, said:

“The Cuddle Blanket is a remarkable and unique reflection of Iain’s life and the loss, grief and love people feel for him.

“Our thoughts, as always, are with Iain’s family, who have been involved in the project.

“We hope people will spend a minute to remember Iain and the life and love he brought to so many through his music and his kindness.

“We miss him still.”

The Discovery College will also host a gathering in Iain’s memory on 6 February, working with ACI Recovery and Ness Bank Church to celebrate his life and the difference he made to others.

Following its appearances at Eden Court and in Thurso, the blanket will return to Discovery College, where it will remain available to anyone looking for a little warmth and comfort.

What began as one person’s idea has become a collective expression of remembrance, created stitch by stitch by people who wanted to honour someone they loved.

And perhaps that is what makes the blanket so special, because it will continue offering comfort and connection long after the exhibition has finished.