The College has been recognised for the work it did in bringing the Great Tapestry of Scotland to the Anchor Mill in Paisley earlier this year – the only time it has been on display in the west of Scotland.

The Great Tapestry tells the 12,000-year story of Scotland.  At 469 feet and comprising 160 embroidered panels, it’s the longest tapestry on earth.

For it to be properly displayed at the Mill, however, meant frames had to be built and a floor plan designed.  The College was approached for help by the Paisley Thread Museum and by the community-based arts project, Weaving Musical Threads. 

Guided by Head of Construction, Tommy Campbell, NPA Construction students from Paisley and Greenock, set about providing the solution that would allow the Tapestry to be displayed in all its glory for the first time.  It went on display for three weeks in May and June this year, attracting thousands of visitors.

Tommy said:

“It’s a real honour for the College to receive recognition like this. I’d like to thank the students who negotiated with partners and came up with original solutions to some tricky problems.  It’s great to know that their efforts gave so much pleasure to so many members of our local community.”

“The frames they designed have now travelled with the Great Tapestry and we expect they’ll be used in other exhibitions around Scotland.”

Principal Audrey Cumberford commented:

“This is wonderful news to end the year on. It’s worth noting that this is a UK-wide award to which hundreds of colleges were eligible to make nominations.  To make it to the last three is a credit to the College, staff and students.”

The winner will be unveiled at the TES awards dinner and ceremony in London on 27 February 2015.