It is with deep regret ...

that we have to announce that Ruth Catherine Black died
in the Highland Hospice in Inverness on the Feast of
Saint Stephen, 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 particularly in textile design and in vestment making we, her family have expaned it to be a visual reminder of Ruth's amazing achievements. The words below
are Ruth's own words which we have not 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.

When time allows I offer tuition in Feltmaking for all ages
in one-to-one or for small groups in my studio, or I travel
to different venues for larger 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 wallhangings and banners
many of which are on display in community centres and
other public buildings around the Highlands.

Follow the links above & right to find out more about my work.

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