More than Mosaics: How Veterans Tribe Scotland Brings People Together

Entering into the Cherry Room at Thistle Foundation was like stepping into a rainbow. From the brightly coloured table coverings, the beads and bits of glass in every shade imaginable, to the wonderful works of art from workshops past on display – there is colour everywhere! The reason for this vibrant setup is that today, it is the space for Veterans Tribe Scotland’s Mosaics Workshop.

A Table Full of Stories

Some participants were attending for the first time, carefully sketching designs and learning how to place their tiles. Others were returning to projects they’ve been building over several sessions You could see the pride in the detail: steady hands placing beads just so, conversations pausing as concentration deepened.

There’s something deeply affirming about watching creativity unfold in a room like this. People who may never have described themselves as ‘artistic’ were producing work that was thoughtful, skilful and deeply personal. No one rushed. No one judged. Advice was offered gently. Encouragement flowed freely.

More Than a Workshop

What makes these sessions special isn’t just the art — it’s the community which has formed around it.

Laughter moved easily across the room. Conversations drifted from practical tips (‘try a bit more adhesive there’) to shared memories and everyday life updates. Support was everywhere — in the passing of tools, in the quiet check-ins, in the simple act of showing up.

For lots of veterans and their families, these workshops have become a regular event. The fact that participants return again and again, building projects piece by piece over weeks, speaks volumes about the environment that’s been created. New attendees are warmly welcomed and offered scones with cream & jam, freshly baked that morning by a regular.

We come to loads of these events, there’s just nothing else like them. Everyone always talks here, and you just don’t get that at a lot of places. It’s so welcoming.

The Driving Force Behind It

At the heart of it all is the founder of Veterans Tribe Scotland, Gerry McGregor, whose dedication is impossible to miss. These workshops don’t simply materialise. They require planning, funding bids, venue coordination, materials sourcing, travel logistics — and an enormous amount of passion.

She works tirelessly to deliver arts and crafts sessions across Scotland, setting off early in the morning with a car full of crafting materials to wherever today’s workshop may be. It’s grassroots work in the truest sense: hands-on and people-focused.

Gerry understands the healing power of arts & crafts after they became her solace following an injury, and it is clear how much it means to her to share this with others. It’s rare to encounter someone who brings such joy and unwavering commitment to their work and to the people they support.

Piece by Piece

By the end of the session, the tables were covered with grout, scone crumbs, and fabulous mosaics. Not all were finished. That’s part of the beauty of it. There’s always another session, another opportunity to add the next piece. The mosaics will eventually be completed. They’ll hang in gardens, homes, community spaces — physical reminders of patience, skill and shared time.

Veterans Tribe Scotland run different workshops all across Scotland including mosaics, book binding, and pyrography to name a few. Keep an eye on our Whats on? page or email Gerry to be included on the mailing list at gerry.mcgregor@veteranstribescotland.co.uk