Success entwined with alpaca love

THE COURIER talks to Sue MacBride of A lpaca Loft.

Q— What does your company produce and which market do you cater for?

A— A lpaca Loft offers baby alpaca knitting yarn in six natural colours, along with hand-knitted items, patterns and accessories.

We also have alpaca gifts, including slippers, teddies, socks and throws.

A lpaca fleece has such unique properties. A t its best it is a superior fibre to cashmere and this is the market we cater for.

The agricultural side of the business is having the first Suri alpaca herd in Scotland.

Q— How many members of staff do you employ?

A— I have called in the help of close friends. However, due to the interest in hand-knitted products, I have 10 hand-knitters throughout Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Q— How and why did you start the business?

A— There is a growing interest in alpaca farming in the UK. I saw an opportunity where I could combine a lifestyle change with a love of alpacas and use my textile background to develop the fleece.

Q— How did you get where you are today?

A— Hard work. I have spent three years researching and attaining qualifications in the development of fleece and fibre in the alpaca along with breeding traits, etc.

I have sold my house to invest in both sides of the business.

Who has helped?

A— Not having a backup plan. The first two crias (baby alpacas) were born during the Royal Highland Show; it was a choice whether to focus on birthing or appear at the show.

Q— What is your greatest achievement to date?