Prestonpans tapestry hopes to reel in viewers at St Mary's

THE Battle of Prestonpans Tapestry - the longest in the world at 104 metres - went on display in the Capital today.

The tapestry, which is being exhibited at St Mary's Cathedral in Palmerston Place, has received the backing of the Mayor of Bayeux, home of the world-famous Bayeux Tapestry. Patrick Gomont said: "The town of Bayeux is very proud that the Bayeux Tapestry inspired this project, and thank you for this honour."

The mayor's deputy plans to travel to Edinburgh to close the exhibition officially on August 29, together with Edinburgh Lord Provost George Grubb.

The Battle of Prestonpans Tapestry depicts the 1745 journey of Bonnie Prince Charlie from his landing in Eriskay to his resounding victory at Prestonpans, and was finished in the summer of 2010 after some 25,000 hours of work by 200 volunteers from around Scotland.

Dr Gordon Prestoungrange, recently retired chairman of the Battle of Prestonpans Heritage Trust, said the trust was looking at ways in which the two tapestries could help market each other in the future.

He said: "Our project was inspired entirely by the Bayeux Tapestry, which I had visited many times. We were looking for ways to raise the profile of the battle and bring the story to life for future generations."