A beautifully stitched panel celebrating the ancient heritage of the Highlands has gone on display at Nairn Library.
The Burghead Bull is part of the acclaimed Tapestry of the Highlands and Islands, a major community art project that tells the story of the region through more than 50 embroidered panels.
Each one was created by volunteer stitchers from across the Highlands and Islands, with over 600 people involved in total.
This particular panel was designed and made by the local group Threads of Nairn, and is now on public display in the heart of the town.
Stitched in vivid shades of red, amber and yellow on moss green tweed, the Burghead Bull is inspired by a group of ancient Pictish carvings discovered in Moray during the 1800s.
Though many of the original stones were lost, six survive in museums across Scotland and London.
Now, thanks to the dedication of local artists, the spirit of these ancient carvings lives on in a vibrant piece of modern community art.
The arrival of the panel was celebrated by Nairn and Cawdor councillors Laurie Fraser and Barbara Jarvie, who joined members of Threads of Nairn at the library to view the work and thank them in person.
Cllr Ian Brown, Leader of Inverness City and Area, said the tapestry as a whole captures something powerful and enduring.
“The Tapestry of the Highlands and Islands is a wonderful example of creativity rooted in community spirit,” he said.
“The arrival of the Burghead Bull in Nairn is a proud moment and a reminder of the power of shared stories to connect us across generations and geography.”
Provost of Nairn, Cllr Laurie Fraser, echoed that sentiment.
“It’s wonderful to see such an impressive piece of community art on display here in Nairn,” he said.
“Projects like this are visually stunning and bring people together to celebrate the stories that make our region special.”
The panel will remain on view at Nairn Library during normal opening hours, offering both residents and visitors a chance to enjoy the artistry and history it represents.
The Tapestry of the Highlands and Islands was part of the wider Spirit of the Highlands and Islands project, which encouraged creative exploration of the region’s past and present.
Supported by NatureScot’s Natural and Cultural Heritage Fund, and part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund, the tapestry is also closely tied to the redevelopment of Inverness Castle, which will open later this year as a new cultural attraction.
