A NEW national exhibit which will showcase the role the design industry could play in combating climate change and reducing the global carbon emissions of historically highly greenhouse gas intensive industries is coming to the Scottish Borders.

Developed by the world-renowned Heriot-Watt University School of Textiles and Design to "reshape everything from fashion and manufacturing to healthcare and wellbeing”, Metamorphis will go on public display for the first time in The Great Tapestry of Scotland building from January 17 to the end of March 2023.

The exhibit will literally ‘metamorphose’ with a new display every two weeks, showcasing some of the university’s innovative research and practice across the different stages of design and manufacturing.

It is hoped it will help industry leaders to adopt sustainable practices, strengthen ethical consumer buying power, inspire ethical designers of the future and support the wellbeing of all those who visit.

It will also feature a series of talks and workshops looking at how the industry is reusing and recycling day-to-day waste.

Displayed in Galashiels, heartland of the Scottish Borders (an area which is still associated with the production of high-end fashion garments for the likes of Dior), the immersive exhibit will allow visitors to get hands on with innovative sustainable design practices and learn about research that is truly making a change for the better.

Border Telegraph: Metamorphis will go on public display for the first time in The Great Tapestry of Scotland building from January 17 Metamorphis will go on public display for the first time in The Great Tapestry of Scotland building from January 17

Welcoming the exhibit, Sandy Maxwell-Forbes, Centre Director for The Great Tapestry of Scotland said: “We’re delighted to be the first to host the important Metamorphosis exhibit in partnership with one of the most prestigious textile and design schools in the world, based right here in our hometown of Galashiels.

“There is only one earth and as we all begin to see the devasting impacts of climate change, we must all do all we can to inspire and equip everyone to do all they can to protect it and the communities in which we live.

“Community is truly at the heart of all that we do here at The Great Tapestry of Scotland, so we are thrilled that Metamorphosis will support our community in so many ways. As well as giving the students at Heriot-Watt University a platform to shine and boosting the wellbeing of all who visit, it will help our local renowned textile industry to be global leaders in sustainable design. And, through our partnership with Inspire Learning, it will also inspire school children to be sustainable designers of the future.”

Assistant Professor Dr Lucy Robertson at Heriot-Watt University said: “Understanding material qualities and properties is imperative for designers. Although the ultimate aim is to eliminate waste, a lot can be learnt from using what we as society class as waste within creative projects. This exhibition asks us to reflect on how we view waste as a material and reconsider its value.”

For more information, including opening times and ticket prices, visit www.greattapestryofscotland.com