Dundee’s strong Scottish links have seen the town chosen as one of 25 communities to participate in the Scottish Diaspora Tapestry, to be created by a collaboration of volunteers across the globe.

Each community has been invited to produce embroidered panels, each measuring 50cm x 50cm, documenting their Scottish connections on a series of embroidered panels. Their combined stories will pay homage to the incredible determination and courage of Scots over the centuries.

“Scots have migrated all over the world and have often had a profound impact on the areas in which they settled,” said Pam McFadden of Talana Museum, which was asked to be involved in the project.
Based on the Diaspora communities’ stories, and with their design input, Andrew Crummy has created outline designs for the linen panels. This approach ensures an artistic consistency to the overall project, although individual interpretation will be encouraged in the use of stitches and colours, to reflect local traditions.
The tapestry, which is likely to measure at least 90 metres, will be displayed in Scotland and further abroad. Because it is designed in sections it will also be flexible, and can be separated for display in different locations simultaneously. 
It will tour the UK and the countries which helped in its creation. It will continue to educate audiences and promote Scottish heritage for many years to come. 

“The history of the area was sent to the designers, then the first ideas came back and were altered, and eventually a final design was agreed upon,” Pam explained.
The panel includes elements that reflect the heritage of Dundee, South Africa. “Dundee, South Africa was established in 1882 by Peter Smith on his farm, Dundee. He originated from Hole Mill Farm, Forfarshire, Scotland. Endumeni Mountain is a dominant feature of the Dundee landscape and plays an important role in the weather patterns of our valley

. The elements chosen to include on the tapestry reflect the founders and early settlers of the town and region. They are holding maize, which is staple crop of the area, and coal. Dundee became the centre of the coal industry in the 19th and early 20th centuries, earning it the nickname ‘Coalopolis’.”

Three local ladies, Rosheni Bedassi, Marie Mordue and Lyn Buitendag, agreed to stitch the panel to be completed and returned to Scotland at the end of May. The book that will be published to explain the tapestry will include a photo of the stitchers and information about the design of the panel.
“This will travel with the tapestry as it goes on exhibition, and copies of the book will be available for sale – a wonderful marketing opportunity for our town,” Pam concluded.