VISITORS to the Gothenburg pub in Prestonpans have a chance to see the first panels in a new town-led tapestry telling the story of Scotland's diaspora.

The first cohort of the 150 tapestry panels - from stitchers in Gothenburg, Sweden - are due to go on display tomorrow (Thursday) and Friday. They will be delivered to the pub by Gothenburg's former mayor Jorgen Linder.

In total, 25 countries are contributing to the Scottish Diaspora Tapestry, which tells the story of what the Scots did as they settled around the globe. It was first piloted in Gothenburg and Barga in Italy, due to Prestonpans' close links with both towns.

Dr Gordon Prestoungrange, former Baron of Prestoungrange, said that the diversity of the techniques on display would add to the tapestry's appeal.

"Many countries have got a distinctive approach to how they embroider;for example the stitches in Madeira are different to those in Scotland," he said. "I expect the variety of styles will make it look more interesting." Organisers have contacted the Swedish community in Scotland to invite them to come and see the recently completed panels.

With panels being created across the globe, Dr Prestoungrange said they expected more contributions to be delivered throughout the year.

Unlike its predecessor, the Battle of Prestonpans Tapestry, which measures 105 metres in length, the Scottish Diaspora Tapestry will be split into 25 sections so that it can be displayed a country at a time.

Organised by the Prestoungrange Arts Festival and led by local artist Andrew Crummy, the tapestry is due to be completed in time for Scotland's 2014 Homecoming.

The first panels can be viewed at the Gothenburg from noon to 4pm.