DID a tiger moth really fly under the Forth Bridge during the Second World War? That’s one of the tales woven into a new history project that’s set to meet the public today.
According to one of the volunteers taking part in the Stitches in Time project, part of Inverkeithing Heritage Regeneration work, it’s an untold part of the area’s past. Family members tell of an uncle who’d achieved the feat for a bet.
It’s just one of the colourful local stories that have been turned into textile artworks in a project that taps into the area’s historic linen trade. Records show flax was imported to the Fife town as far back as the 1600s, with Daniel Defoe remarking on its booming linen manufacture in the 18th century.
Nikkita Morgan, the artist leading Stitches in Time, secured some of the last linen produced at Peter Greig & Co in nearby Kirkcaldy before its closure this spring for use by the volunteers, who have used it to create colourful canvases in needlework.
People of all ages have taken part, recreating historic scenes, making bold patterns and forming fabric boats that remind onlookers of its seafaring links.
The work goes on show today at the local Civic Centre for Doors Open Day. Morgan will demonstrate the skills used and give away kits for people to try at home. The project has been funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic Environment Scotland, Fife Council and Fife Historic Buildings Trust.
Emma Griffiths of Inverkeithing Heritage Regeneration said: “The tiger moth is a story that wasn’t ever captured in photographs because it was illegal. The stories we are managing to get and the stitching and the community have all been fantastic.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here