Scotland's Textiles
(Above image is a capture of a traditional loom weaver at work.) Scotland has a long and continuing association with the textile industry. From the 18th century through to the mid-20th century cotton and thread mills were common, many of them originally water powered. Today, key centres of activity are focused on manufacture of cashmere products and Harris Tweed. Harris Tweed Dyeing wool on Harris Production exclusively takes place on the islands of Lewis and Harris part of a chain of islands off Scotland's west coast known as the Outer Hebrides.This product is trademarked and protected under the auspices of the Harris Tweed Authority which was established by the U.K. Parliament in 1993. The Act specifies that Harris Tweed must be: “ Handwoven by the islanders at their homes in the Outer Hebrides, finished in the Outer Hebrides, and made from pure virgin wool dyed and spun in the Outer Hebrides. “ Additionally, ancillary processes such as dying, spinnin...