Cyclists abandon the Lycra look for Harris Tweed

Islanders donned their finest Harris Tweed outfits for a novel cycle ride around Stornoway at the weekend in what is fast becoming a popular annual event.

Clad in the classic woollen garments, handmade by local Hebridean weavers on pedal-powered looms, the cyclists took part in the third Harris Tweed bike ride on Lewis.

A gentle circular route through the town on a sunny Saturday morning saw the riders stopping off at some of town’s most prestigious establishments for light refreshments and Stornoway black pudding.

Numerous similar bike rides with tweed-adorned riders are held all over the world, including England, Russia and Japan, but none have the spectacular views around the Lews Castle as the homegrown event does.

Cyclists wore trendy miniskirts and brightly coloured shawls, reflecting the modern vibrancy of the iconic fabric, while others opted for more subdue hues, making it a travelling fashion show on two wheels.

Organiser Catherine Maclean, from the island’s An Lanntair arts centre, said it seemed an obvious event to stage since “we are in the land of Harris Tweed.”

“Harris Tweed bike rides are popular worldwide and we thought we should have one here on the island,” she said. “The first year was so successful and such a nice event so we carried it on. Now we can see it growing year on year.”

Ms Maclean added: “Harris Tweed is a distinctive signature icon locally and one that is immensely important for the islands.

“It is great for us to celebrate that in a fun way.”

Best dressed adult rider, Barbara Ziehm, was presented with a Tour de France-style yellow jumper – knitted from Harris wool. The junior best dressed prize of a white Harris wool jumper was won by six-year-old Alice Reid from Stornoway.

“Cyclists wore trendy miniskirts and brightly coloured shawls”

Riders join the circular route through the town