King Charles and Queen Camilla visit Galashiels and Selkirk in Scotland
Thousands flocked to welcome the King and Queen to the Borders on their first official visit to our region since their coronation.
King Charles and Queen Camilla met with stallholders, local children and businesspeople in Selkirk.
The King and Queen were present as the Selkirk Casting of the Colours was performed in the town centre.
They visited The Great Tapestry of Scotland in Galashiels to mark its 10th anniversary this morning.
Their Majesties were among the first to see a new panel commemorating the coronation.
Speaking after the visit to The Great Tapestry of Scotland, Sandy Maxwell-Forbes, centre director, said: “It was the greatest honour to introduce The King and Queen to individuals who were instrumental in creating this compelling account of Scotland’s history, heritage and culture and one of the nation’s top-rated visitor experiences right here in Galashiels in the Scottish Borders.
"This marks a significant moment in the Tapestry’s extraordinary success story.
“Their Majesties appeared to be moved by the Tapestry’s compelling artwork. Indeed, The Queen described it as ‘Absolutely Wonderful’, she said she wished she had more time to take it all in.
"In keeping with the Tapestry’s original ethos of allowing people to tell their own story in their own way, we were also thrilled that The King and Queen signed our commemorative certificate and Her Majesty added a stitch to our new panel.
“We specially designed the panel to reflect the significance of this royal visit and The Queen’s own appreciation of embroidery, which was so evident in her stunning Couture Coronation gown, hand embroidered by the Royal School of Needlework.
"In keeping with the design of the dress and indeed The Great Tapestry of Scotland, there are some beautiful intricate hidden details stitched into the new panel which reflected The King and Queen’s greatest interests in life including nature, wildflowers, The King’s own book, The Old Man Lochnagar and The Queen’s Jack Russells Bess and Bluebell.”
Andrew McCall Smith added: “It is now ten full years since the completion of The Great Tapestry of Scotland.
"All who have been involved throughout this period are grateful to His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen, for their visit to see for themselves this remarkable artwork in its new home in Galashiels – in a striking, award-winning gallery that does full justice to the artistry that it houses.
"When we started this project we had no idea that the result would be so lovely and so affecting, or that so many people would be brought together in friendship.
"I’m particularly delighted that the many hands that worked together to realise this vision have been recognised by Their Majesties today.”
Stitcher coordinator Dorie Wilkie said: “A lot of hard work and camaraderie went into the making of the Great Tapestry of Scotland, and great friendships were made.
"When we first completed it, we were exhausted, but we knew we had created something truly special. However, it wasn’t until we started touring that we realised the profound impact it would have on all those who saw it.
“It is incredibly significant now for the Tapestry’s army of volunteer stitchers that this work is being celebrated by The King and Queen ten years on.
"In the past, you never knew who had embroidered tapestries like the Bayeux Tapestry, now through The Great Tapestry of Scotland their passion and hard work will be preserved for many generations to come.”
A small number of protesters were seen shouting "not my King" as their Royal Majesties greeted the public in Galashiels.
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