Harris Tweed Story 

Harris Tweed History

For centuries the islanders of Lewis, Harris, Uist and Barra have woven the magical cloth the world knows as Harris Tweed. (Clo Mor in the original Gaelic – ‘The big cloth’).

The woollen cloth known as Harris Tweed has been woven and dyed by hand in the Western Isles of Scotland. Originally this handmade fabric was woven by crofters for familial use, ideal for protection against the colder climate in the North of Scotland, currently the material is woven for a wide range of uses including fashion and interiors.

By the end of the 18th Century, the spinning of wool yarn from local raw materials was a staple industry for the crofters of the Outer Hebrides. The finished handmade cloth was then exported to the Scottish mainland and traded along with other commodities produced by the Islanders, such as dry hides, goat and deer skins.

This was the beginning of the Harris Tweed industry…

The Harris Tweed Authority protects and promotes the Harris Tweed © brand across the world – you can visit their site for more about the Harris Tweed story.

Harris Tweed History

For centuries the islanders of Lewis, Harris, Uist and Barra have woven the magical cloth the world knows as Harris Tweed. (Clo Mor in the original Gaelic – ‘The big cloth’).

The woollen cloth known as Harris Tweed has been woven and dyed by hand in the Western Isles of Scotland. Originally this handmade fabric was woven by crofters for familial use, ideal for protection against the colder climate in the North of Scotland, currently the material is woven for a wide range of uses including fashion and interiors.

By the end of the 18th Century, the spinning of wool yarn from local raw materials was a staple industry for the crofters of the Outer Hebrides. The finished handmade cloth was then exported to the Scottish mainland and traded along with other commodities produced by the Islanders, such as dry hides, goat and deer skins.

This was the beginning of the Harris Tweed industry…

The Harris Tweed Authority protects and promotes the Harris Tweed © brand across the world – you can visit their site for more about the Harris Tweed story.

The Islands of the Outer Hebrides

In the far north west of Scotland are the Western Isles or Outer Hebrides. These islands are an area of unspoiled natural beauty with spectacular scenery, impressive mountain ranges, moorland and miles of golden beaches.

With only 26,370 inhabitants and 9 people per square kilometre, the Western Isles are one of the least populated areas in Scotland. However, these remote islands maintain a unique culture and set of traditions with most communities in the Outer Hebrides, using the Scottish Gaelic language together with English.

From the tip of Isle of Lewis all the way down to the small islands of Barra and Vatersay is around 240 Kilometres, each rich with wildlife and the rugged landscapes offering great opportunities for the more adventurous visitor.

Harris Tweed Facts Infographic

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