Missed chance for Scotland to rule the weaves

A REQUEST to fund a project that would create the world’s longest tapestry commemorating Scotland’s history from prehistoric to modern times was rejected by Creative Scotland, The Scotsman has learned.

The Great Tapestry of Scotland is a community arts project involving 500 people, which has already been championed by author Alexander McCall Smith, who has invested substantial sums of his own money and enlisted other backers. His fellow trustees include broadcaster Jim Naughtie, and Birlinn publishing boss Hugh Andrew.

But it has emerged that Creative Scotland, the government-funded arts agency, turned down a request for financial support.

Yesterday Mr McCall Smith told The Scotsman he was “naturally disappointed” and noted no one at Creative Scotland (CS) had met him or the trustees. “Unfortunately, we have not been able to meet anyone from CS to discuss the project but we are hopeful of a positive outcome,” he said.

The agency made its decision in March – the same month the presiding officer of the Scottish Parliament, Tricia Marwick MSP, sewed the first stitches of the project – but news of the rejection has only just emerged.

The group behind the tapestry is seeking close to £50,000 in funding, it is understood, and has now reapplied.

The Great Tapestry aims to tell the history of Scotland, from prehistoric settlements to the opening of the Scottish Parliament, in 120 one-metre panels, designed by artist Andrew Crummy. More than 500 people will be asked to take part. It is expected to go on show at the Scottish Parliament in 2013.

The agency said last night that another tapestry project designed by Mr Crummy, with panels created by 25 Scottish diaspora communities for the Prestoungrange Arts Festival, had been backed with £80,000 as part of the Year of Creative Scotland. It will go on show in 2014, it said.

“We gave the applicant detailed feedback as to the original reasons for refusal and have since also explained that we are unable to meet with any organisation about an application which is already lodged and pending assessment,” a spokesperson said.

The historical author and book festival director Alistair Moffat, another leading figure in the Scottish arts scene, was a driving force behind the scheme along with Mr McCall Smith.

He said: “It’s remarkable. We are very keen to meet them but they are saying it’s not their policy to meet us. Which is a great shame because we think we can work together. We are not attacking them but we are slightly puzzled.”

Mr McCall Smith said: “A good level of private and trust funding is now in place but as this is probably the largest community arts project in Scotland, involving about 500 people in creative activity – and one that should also bring great benefits over a good many years for tourism and the arts in general – then we would welcome assistance from this body.”