Tuesday January 27th 2026
Lothians suicide memorial quilt on display
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
A deeply moving memorial quilt, which has been created by 49 people across the Lothians in memory of loved ones who have died by suicide, will go on display in a free exhibit at The Great Tapestry of Scotland in Galashiels, the heartland of the Scottish Borders, from 3 to 28 February 2026 (Tuesday to Saturday).
Through touring nationwide, it is hoped the Lothians Speak Their Name quilt, which has is already known to have saved lives, will help to start conversations about mental health and suicide across Scotland, and encourage those who need it to seek help and support.
Lothians Speak Their Name is a project which was set up to create a quilt in memory of people who have died by suicide in Edinburgh and the Lothians. 49 people have made squares in memory of their loved ones, which hold the stories of their loves and lives. The project has also brought people together as a community, providing support and friendship.
Explaining co-director of Lothian Speak Their Name, Sue Henderson, who was also a stitcher on The Great Tapestry of Scotland’s ‘Television Arrives’ panel said: “When we began the project, we hoped that, by reflecting the stories of the real people our quilt would help start conversations about suicide and mental health and ideally save lives. This has undoubtedly been the case and has been so heartening for us to see.
“There is something really therapeutic about being involved in a group activity together, whether creating the quilt, stitching the Tapestry or visiting the galleries. For some people in our group it was completely new, but everyone felt the benefit of focusing on something positive about their loved one’s lives.
“By touring, we hope that this impact will continue around Scotland, inspiring other regions to develop similar projects, and encouraging those who are struggling with their own mental health to seek help and support when they need it.
“We’d like to thank Live Borders and The Great Tapestry of Scotland for their support in helping us reach people in the Scottish Borders.”
Centre Director for The Great Tapestry of Scotland at Live Borders, Sandy Maxwell-Forbes said: “It is a great honour to host Lothians Speak Their Name. Much like The Great Tapestry of Scotland itself, this detailed multi-media memorial quilt is a fantastic example of how textiles can help to bring stories to life in a truly compelling way.
“Supporting human connection and community spirit, and allowing people to tell their own story in their own way, is at the heart of all we do, so it is incredibly fitting for us to host this exhibit. Numerous studies over the years have evidenced the real difference that facilities such as ours can make to improving mental health. Through this exhibit, we hope that we can build on this by supporting Lothians Speak Their Name in starting conversations about mental health in the Scottish Borders and encouraging individuals to seek help and support when they need it.”
After viewing the quilt in the Scottish Parliament, Christine Grahame MSP posted on Facebook to say: “I was deeply moved by the ‘Lothians Speak Their Name’ quilt memorial in Parliament, created by 49 families who lost loved ones to suicide. In making the quilt, they found community, healing and the courage to speak openly about mental health and loss.”
According to the National Records of Scotland, 704 people died by probable suicide in Scotland in 2024.
The suicide memorial quilt will be free to view at The Great Tapestry of Scotland in Galashiels between 3 and 28 February 2026 from 9:30am, last entry 3.30pm, doors close 5pm.
From its purpose-built iconic geometric roof and views out over the Scottish Borders hills to transformative events and workshops, every element of the new Great Tapestry of Scotland experience in Galashiels has been designed to boost the wellbeing of all those who visit.
Sandy explained: “Together our wonderful team of stitchers, architects, curators, designers, visitor officers, catering staff and event organisers have created a powerfully enriching experience that will lift spirits and soothe the soul.”
Speaking about the important role galleries such as The Great Tapestry of Scotland’s can have in supporting positive mental wellbeing, Dr Emma Ducklin, Clinical Psychologist and owner of Engage Clinical Psychology Ltd, said: ‘With its relaxing, neutral environment, The Great Tapestry of Scotland could provide a unique lifeline as a safe, calm place.
“A number of studies over the years (such as the Nord-Trondelag Health Study) have evidenced the real difference that facilities such as this can make to improving mental health. Workshops where people create their own art, for example, can help people (no matter what their artistic ability) reduce levels of anxiety and depression and boost confidence. Engaging in art-related activities have also been linked to improved memory, reasoning, and resilience in healthy older people. Feeling connected to a wider creative community can play a key role in boosting many people’s emotional wellbeing and combating loneliness.”
Now in its permanent home in the once thriving textile region of the Scottish Borders, The Great Tapestry of Scotland’s 160 panels tell a visually compelling account of the people’s story of Scotland from millions of years BC to present day. Its purpose-built visitor centre is home to two galleries, a café, workshop space and shop.
The centre has received numerous awards including the South of Scotland Thistle Award for Inclusion and a Tripadvisor Traveller’s Choice Award for two years running.
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