Harris Tweed has been given a boost thanks to a £200,000 funding package.
The funding, being provided by the European Social Fund, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, will ensure more people are given training in the Harris Tweed industry.
The money will fund a two-year programme to train new weavers in areas such as carding, spinning, warping, dyeing, stores and design. The programme has been organised to combat the ageing demographic of the industry’s workforce.
The news has been welcomed by the Harris Tweed Industry Liaison Group. Councillor Angus Campbell, chair of the group, said: “The programme reflects feedback from the industry, with careful consideration given to the age profile of the workforce, skills shortages and demand for the tweed.
“While there is no doubt that this scheme is going to provide valuable training opportunities across the industry, one of the central issues in balancing the workforce remains accessibility of looms and this is something that we will continue to look at.”
Lorna Macaulay, chief executive of the Harris Tweed Authority, said: “Market demand for Harris Tweed shows no sign of abating and the Harris Tweed industry is emerging once more as a significant employer in the Western Isles economy. It is now believed that there are over 200 people in the Harris Tweed workforce, including mill-based staff and weavers.”
Iain Angus Mackenzie, chief executive of Harris Tweed Hebrides, said:
“We welcome this substantial investment into skills development in the Harris Tweed industry.
“As an employer, we want to attract and retain staff and demonstrate that Harris Tweed is a forward looking industry to forge a career in, while ensuring that the skills and expertise of individuals in the mills is passed on to the next generation.”