We have to change to survive
Sandra MacLeod, an accessories designer, says the “make do and mend” attitude of Isle20.com reflects a resourcefulness and community spirit shared by islanders.
“I’ve thought from the start it will be collaboration and community that gets us through this,” said Sandra, 51.
“You need to quickly rethink what you’re doing to survive and I think Isle20 has been a good, quick and simple response. A lot of people feel an affinity with the islands. They want to support businesses here and this makes it easy to find us.”
From her workshop in Lewis, Sandra creates bespoke Harris Tweed bags, hats and accessories under her label, Modren.
With her key customer base reliant on temporarily-banned summer events such as weddings and garden parties, Sandra is now having to streamline and sell exclusively online.
“We’ve got to change to survive this so I’m now making smaller items, like purses, which I’m more likely to sell right now,” she said. “I’m glad to still be working as it keeps me in a routine.”
Despite the hardship, Sandra said residents of the Western Isles were unified in their response to the coronavirus pandemic.
“It’s a bit surreal that, because we are down to lifeline services, nobody can get here but equally we can’t get off the island!” said Sandra.
“But it’s definitely a good place to be while this is going on because you can go for a long walk on the beach with the dog and that gives you a sense of freedom.
“At times, you can go into a wee bubble where it feels like nothing’s changed. Not everyone is so lucky.”