Craigmillar tapestry created by more than 500 residents on display for Scottish Storytelling Centre's anniversary
More than 500 Craigmillar and Niddrie residents helped to complete the 20-panel tapestry
The Scottish Storytelling Centre is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a special exhibition showcasing a huge tapestry created by hundreds of residents in Craigmillar and Niddrie.
The Craigmillar Tapestry has been stitched together by more than 500 locals and details the history of the area as well as the various cultures which make up the experiences of the residents.
This includes illustrations of cultural sites such as the Niddrie Standing Stone on Greendykes Road, Craigmillar Castle, and the name of local activists such as Agnes Moffat, a child coal-barer who gave evidence to the national inquiry into child labour practices in 1842.
Each panel of the 20-panel tapestry has been designed by Craigmillar-born Andrew Crummy MBE, who also worked on the Great Tapestry of Scotland which is now on display at a purpose-built venue in Galashiels.
Andrew said: “All the tapestries I am involved with, like The Great Tapestry of Scotland are based on Community Arts ethos developed by The Craigmillar Festival Society.
“A way of using the Arts that has inspired and travelled the world. It is an honour to be involved in developing this Tapestry, with many involved, telling fantastic stories from an amazing community.
The artist, whose mother was Craigmillar Festival Society founder Helen Crummy MBE, added: “It was originally an idea from my mother, the late Helen Crummy in 2010, who wanted to celebrate not only the history of Craigmillar, but all those who helped Craigmillar become a vibrant and rich community. As Helen's favourite song says: ‘History will be made, when the people play their part.’”
Local stitcher Heather Henderson said: “I have been involved with the Craigmillar Tapestry since the start. I have enjoyed watching, taking part & teaching in helping to bring Andrew's drawings for every panel, come alive with the stitches.
“I am so proud when I see every panel finished. It's such an honour to see them. It's done leaps and bounds with my mental health and it gives me a purpose to go out.”
The Craigmillar Tapestry will be on display at the Scottish Storytelling Centre (SSC) on High Street from today (July 24) throughout the festival season until August 31 before it goes on tour to other parts of the city including Portobello, Craigmillar, Newcraighall, and The Inch.
The exhibition is part of SSC’s 20th anniversary celebrations with the venue presenting 33 shows and exhibitions to mark the occasion.
Scottish Storytelling Centre’s Interim Head of Programming, Lauren Paterson says: “Our Fringe 2026 programme explores the connections and common ground we share across time, language and culture and it is therefore fitting that for Fringe 2026 and for the Centre’s 20th Anniversary celebrations, we can house this wonderful piece of art that champions community connection and collective local history.
“We’re so looking forward to welcoming the Tapestry and all those who will come to see it. The Tapestry will be displayed in the Storytelling Court, where every single audience member attending a show will get to see and engage with it, making it the real heart of our programme this year.”