Belties are ‘beacon of comfort’ on memorial quilt

ONE OF the most iconic images of Dumfries and Galloway is catching the eye of parliamentarians and visitors at the heart of Westminster. Two Belted Galloway cattle, amidst the region’s rolling hills and thistles, is on a six by six inch square patch of fabric created by Mouswald-based craft quilter Ann Hill, BEM. It has pride of place on the Parliamentary Covid Memorial Quilt which was recently unveiled by House of Commons Speaker, Sir Lindsay Hoyle in Portcullis House, the large modern annex building across the road from Parliament. Many onlookers agree that Ann’s six by six inch square patch, representing Dumfriesshire constituency, stands out with its distinctive subject and shades, according to local MP David Mundell.

He said: “I was delighted when Ann agreed to get involved. She is one of the best-known figures in the quilting world and does so much to help others. I think her Belties design provides a beacon of comfort from our part of the country. “Whether it is tutoring, volunteering with local organisations, helping stage exhibitions or working with patients who have dementia, Ann has achieved an enormous amount through her craft.” Mr Mundell pointed out that during covid lockdowns, Ann's self-isolating quilting group made and gave out morale-boosting quilts, many featuring farming scenes, to people living alone.

She also remains active as vice-chair of the trust at Shambellie House education centre, near New Abbey, where quilting is one of many activities and courses undertaken.