Published: Thursday, 29th July, 2010 9:27am

That's one Bonnie big bit of tapestry

by Alex Lawrie

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THE official unveiling of the Battle of Prestonpans tapestry - thought to be the longest ever created - took place close to the battle site this week.

The unveiling of the 338ft long masterpiece, at a marquee next to Cockenzie Power Station, marked the culmination of 25,000 hours' work by more than 200 volunteers from across the world.

Each of its one-metre panels depicts a scene from the journey of Bonnie Prince Charlie and his followers from his landing in Scotland in August 1745 to his victory at Prestonpans the following month.

The tapestry was commissioned by the Battle of Prestonpans Heritage Trust. It is hoped the immense creation will form the centrepiece of a

history centre trustees are campaigning to create near the battle site.

HE MAY be too young to grow an actual beard but Musselburgh youngster Charlie McNally, pictured above with Dr Gordon Prestoungrange, the Baron of Prestoungrange, was more than ready for battle on Monday.

The tapestry - nearly 100ft longer than the Bayeux tapestry - was designed by Cockenzie's community-based artist Andrew Crummy, with historical advice provided by scholars Martin Margulies and Arran Johnston.

Mr Crummy told the Courier: "It really was a fantastic day on Monday. The response we have had to the tapestry has been overwhelming.

"It was also pleasing that all the stitchers who took part were able to come together because they've been working in isolation so far.

"For them to see it in its full glory was something special.

"We will now take the tapestry on tour across the country so other communities can view it, starting in Eriskay on Saturday before heading back to Prestonpans for the annual battle celebrations in September.

"The tapestry will go on permanent display in Prestongrange Industrial Heritage Museum and we will also possibly put it on show in Cockenzie Power Station for a while."

Meanwhile, Alyn Smith MEP is investigating whether EU funds could be made available to fund, or part-fund, to support the trustees' project to create a visitors' centre dedicated to the iconic battle.

Mr Smith has written to Johannes Hahn, the commissioner for regional development. Mr Smith said: "Actually seeing the tapestry, and all the folk who were so committed to bringing it in to existence, was fantastic.

"This really puts Prestonpans on the map, and in due course I think we need to make sure it has a suitable home, which gives us an opportunity to redevelop some existing sites.

"I'll see what sort of response I get from Commissioner Hahn and I expect a positive one given the tapestry is of European cultural and historic significance.

"Hats off to everyone involved in the project. The least I can do is help make sure it has a fitting home."

Following Monday's unveiling, the tapestry will now go on a summer tour of the Highlands, following the route and timescale of Bonnie Prince Charlie's trip in 1745 taking in Eriskay, Arisaig, Invergordon, Fort William, Glenfinnan and Blair Castle, in Perthshire, Stirling, and Dunblane.

The tour will also take in venues throughout East Lothian, including Gullane, Pencaitland and Dunbar.