Scotland, Harris Tweed / Margaret Macleod, Weaving

Harris Tweed Hebrides is an award-winning manufacturer and wholesaler of Harris Tweed cloth located in Shawbost on the west coast of the Isle of Lewis. Established in 2007, it has become a success story of UK textile manufacturing. Credited with the revitalisation of the industry Harris Tweed has re-introduced the vibrant colours and patterns synonymous with Harris Tweed to the wholesale market, exported to over 60 countries, and supplied many of the world’s most recognised brands.

Harris Tweed has been woven in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland for centuries, created by islanders using the wool from their own sheep, woven in their own homes for their own use - perfect for the cold Hebridean climate. By the 18th century this handmade cloth was being exported to the Scottish mainland. The commercialisation of the Harris Tweed industry is credited to Lady Dunmore, the owner of the North Harris Estate. She had tweed woven in her clan tartan, Murray, and had jackets made for the Estate staff, it was so hard-wearing that she began promoting it as the fashionable choice for hunting and shooting. Soon it was the fabric of choice for the Victorian era aristocracy and demand for the cloth increased dramatically.

Harris Tweed is produced in the same traditional way today, always made from 100% pure new wool and it must be dyed, spun, handwoven in the weaver’s home and finished in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. This process ensures the high quality Harris Tweed is synonymous with. Fibre dyeing at the wool stage provides an unrivalled depth of colour, one yarn shade can contain up to 8 different shades of wool. Currently we issue tweed to 120 home weavers throughout the Isle of Lewis and Harris, providing stable employment to people in the most remote communities on the island.

To further follow the story of Harris Tweed, please find them on social media here.