The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Ryder golfers drive Harris Tweed sales
Scottish sporting events put Hebrides firm on world stage
Business Editor:
(01224) 343356 Scotland’s two biggest sporting events of 2014 are expected to give a major boost to textile firms in the north.
Harris Tweed Hebrides, whichexports tomorethan 60 countries, is hoping to reap the rewards of its contribution to the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles.
The Shawbost business provided the official tweed for the golf tournament, which sawEurope conquer the US to claim the trophy on Sunday.
Harris Tweed Hebrides created a 25-piece range of Ryder Cup clothing and accessories from hacking jackets and plus fours for men and women to cufflinks and a hip flask.
The tournament’s official tweed featured a blue yarn, representing the fusion of Hebridean sky and sea.
It was shown off to great effect on “Tartan Tuesday” – the first practice day for contenders, when spectators were encouraged to wear tartan and raise money for charity.
Tartan outfits worn by the Scottish team at this summer’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow were made in Keith.
House of Edgar’s work forTeamScotlandwasseen by millions of people watching the games across the world.
It received a positive reception from more than 400 athletes and officials but a mixed response from the Scottish public.
Thousands of people signed a petition calling on the team to ditch it.
But the global exposure has been a huge boon to House of Edgar and its Perth-based parent, Macnaughton Holdings.
Economic development quango Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) said this year’s big events helped to put Scottish fashion and textile businesses firmly on the map.
Iain Hamilton, HIE head of creative industries, added: “Harris Tweed Hebrides, Breanish Tweed and Anta are among many Highlands and islands fashion businesses which are achieving growth in world markets.”
Breanish Tweed is a family business on Lewis, where it handweaves lightweight tweed in Shetland wool, lambswool and cashmere for tailors and fashion houses around the world.
Scottish textiles contribute an estimated £1billion a year to the economy.