It is with deep regret ...

that we announce that Ruth Catherine Black died in the Highland Hospice on Friday 26th December 2025, having been diagnosed with cancer just four weeks previous. Her work as an acclaimed textile artist world-wide and as a wife, mother, grandmother and friend brought great joy to the lives of many and her memory will endure for ever.

May she Rest in Peace

This was her personal website, and as a memorial to her and her wonderfully creative talents we are expanding it to be tribute to Ruth's amazing achievements. The words below are Ruth's own words ... un-changed.

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I live and work in the Highlands of Scotland, working mostly from my studio at Inchmore, 6 miles west, along the Beauly Firth, from Inverness. My work involves many textile disciplines, but generally involves machine embroidery, hand weaving, hand feltmaking, teaching and community art.

I run the family business, Anna Macneil, and make a variety of Harris Tweed products such as hats and scarves, wraps, bags and purses. We also offer a bespoke service making things such as Coats and Jackets embroidered with our distinctive Celtic designs.

Many of my pieces of wall art make use of my own hand-made felt, often teamed with my Hand-woven Tweed and embroidered with striking Celtic-inspired Designs. These wallhangings can be purchased at my studio or one of the galleries in the Highlands and Islands I supply or they can be commissioned according to your wishes.

Another aspect of my work is Ecclesiastical Embroidery. I design and make embroidered vestments, mostly featuring Celtic designs and traditional tartans. My vestments and paraments have been commissioned from all over the world.

I offer tuition in Feltmaking for all ages in one-to-one or for small groups. Feltmaking is an ideal medium for community art and I have led several projects where groups of people with all different levels of ability have created large wall-hangings and banners many of which are on display in community centres and other public buildings around the Highlands.

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