Heritage centre hosts successful textile week

LISMORE Gaelic heritage centre hosted a successful heritage textile week, exploring and celebrating the history of the making, use and importance of woven textiles on the island.

Visitors enjoyed guided walks to areas on the island that have links to weaving and textile expert, Valerie Reilly, identified and discussed vintage shawls and fabrics from the archives and ones that people had brought along.

Inverclyde group, Sgioba Luaidh Inbhirchluaidh, held a well-attended workshop and concert performance, introducing a new generation of Liosachs to the traditional art of songs sung by woman when beating newly-woven tweed to soften it.

Local textile artist, Sarah Campbell of Mogwaai Design, was also there to demonstrate embroidery and applique techniques and created a lovely lampshade which she donated to the centre.