Princess Anne unveils community loom in Forth Valley

Housed at Strathcarron Hospice, the large-scale weaving project was unveiled as part of the hospice’s 45th-anniversary celebrations with Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal.

Princess Anne began the artwork by weaving the first thread in the loom.

Mags McCarthy, CEO of Strathcarron Hospice, said: "This loom is more than an installation – it is a living symbol of our community.

Brad Yule, Central FM presenter was one of the first to take part in the weave (Image: NHS Forth Valley)

"We are deeply honoured that Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal agreed to weave the very first thread in this special piece.

"Over the past 45 years, through her annual visits to Strathcarron Hospice, Her Royal Highness has woven her own thread into the life of the hospice, making her contribution to this weave all the more meaningful.

The loom was started to celebrate Strathcarron Hospice's 45th anniversary (Image: NHS Forth Valley)

"We would now love to invite our communities to continue this story.

"Every thread will represent a person, a moment, a connection, and together they will create something truly special to mark 45 years of care."

Now, the hospice is inviting people in the wider community to take part by weaving their own threads into the loom.

The artwork will become a collaborative piece created by individuals, families, community groups, and organisations across Forth Valley, Cumbernauld, and Kilsyth.

Anyone is welcome to add their own weave into the loom (Image: NHS Forth Valley)

Each thread can represent a personal story, memory, or connection to the hospice.

Visitors are also welcome to spend time at the hospice, meet staff and volunteers, learn about the services provided, and experience the environment first-hand.

The anniversary project is part of Strathcarron’s wider 45th-anniversary year.

The commemorative loom was provided to Strathcarron Hospice by the Radical Weavers (Image: NHS Forth Valley)

Members of the public have already begun to take part in the loom.

Brad Yule, a presenter with Central FM, visited the hospice during a special 45-hour broadcast to raise funds for the charity.

Mr Yule said: "What a brilliant idea for people to be part of the history of the hospice and take part in the weave.

The loom will become a collective piece of art created by the people of Forth Valley (Image: NHS Forth Valley)

"I would encourage anyone interested to book in for a slot and they can pop in and have a cuppa in the cafe and find out more about the amazing work that goes on here."

The hospice says those taking part can also visit the new shop and newly refurbished café during their visit.

Strathcarron Hospice said the project is open to everyone, whether or not they have a personal connection to the charity, and offers a unique and meaningful way to celebrate its 45-year legacy.