It is with deep regret ...

that we announce that Ruth Catherine Black died
in the Highland Hospice on the26th 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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