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Visit Harris Tweed Manufacture, Visit Isle of Harris

May 23, 2012 catswhiskers Comments off

Weaving Harris Tweed, Tarbert, Harris

This evening, I am focusing on the manufacture of Harris Tweed cloth which takes place on the islands of Lewis and Harris in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland. This product is trademarked and protected under the auspices of the Harris Tweed Authority which was established by Parliament in 1993. The Act specifies that Harris Tweed must be:

“Handwoven by the islanders at their homes in the Outer Hebrides, finished in the Outer Hebrides, and made from pure virgin wool dyed and spun in the Outer Hebrides.“

Additionally, ancillary processes such as dying, spinning and finishing must all take place in the Outer Hebrides.

A trip to Harris will enable visitors to witness weaving and various other manufacturing processes and, of course, make purchases from a wide range of finished jackets, coats and other products made on the islands. A first class experience!

Dyed Wool, Isle of Harris, Scotland

Finished Harris Tweed Cloth, Tarbert, Harris

Clothing, Culture, Harris Tweed, Hebrides, Islands, Islands, Lewis, Locations, Scotland tour, Tours none

Tour Harris, Tour Scotland

May 16, 2012 catswhiskers Comments off

Black Lamb, Harris, Scotland

Today, we first caught the mid-morning ferry from North Uist to Harris in the Outer Hebrides, arriving about 11.30am. Following which we proceeded to:

Drive through the stunning mountainous scenery and coastline.
Visit a few specialised Harris Tweed shops-and make some purchases.
Paid an opportunistic visit to a weaver working away on a loom in a small workshop in Tarbert.
Explored the remote west of the island with its scenery, seascapes and lots of sheep meandering around the landscape and road.

Uist to Harris Ferry, Scotland

Hewbridean Seascape, Scotland

Coastal View, Harris, Scotland

Naturally Dyed Wool, Harris, Scotland

Harris Tweed Cloth, Tarbert, Scotland

Harris Tweed Weaver at Work,Tarbert

Remote Landscape, Harris, Scotland

Overall, an enjoyable day full of diversity.

Clothing, Culture, Harris Tweed, Hebrides, Islands, Islands, Locations, Mountains, Nature, Scotland tour, Tours none

Visit Scottish Borders, Visit Scotland

March 23, 2012 catswhiskers Comments off

Kelso Abbey, Scottish Borders, Scotland

This evening, I am focusing on the Scottish Borders, a term which broadly covers the area southf Edinburgh down to the border with England, just north of Hadrian’s Wall. This area encompasses castles, ruined medieval abbeys, tartan and textile manufacture, Sir Walter Scott’s Abbotsford and the Border Reivers Trail. The countryside is gentle, pleasant with rolling hills and salmon rivers such as the Tweed.

Above is Kelso Abbey situated in the pretty town of Kelso. The abbey’s remains are a consequence of destruction by the English in 1545.

Here is Melrose Abbey which was founded in the 12th century by King David I. Location was unfortunate in that it lay on the direct route of invading armies from England in medieval times and suffered repeated damage right through to the Reformation of 1560. The adjacent town of Melrose is also of interest and includes Priorwood Gardens which is dedicated to the production of dried flowers.

Melrose Abbey, Scottish Borders, Scotland

Not too far from Melrose is another of the great medieval abbeys, namely Jedburgh. This was also founded in the 12th century and suffered a similar fate to Melrose in being unfortunately situated on the path of invading armies and suffered much damage as a result.In the town can be found the Castle Jail and Museum plus Mary Queen of Scots House. A worthwhile stop on a Borders tour.

Jedburgh Abbey, Scottish Borders, Scotland

This is Hermitage Castle which stands out for its sheer size, harshness and brutality, a pure military structure with no allowance for romance. The present structure dates from the 14th century and is substantially intact.

Hermitage Castle, Scottish Borders, Scotland

Here is a representation of Lang Sandy at Rowanburn who was a key character in the long-running Border Reivers era of the 14th-17th centuries when parts of the Border region were lawless. Today, there is a Border Reivers Trail which makes an interesting tour in its own right.

Lang Sandy, Rowanburn, Scottish Borders

The Borders region has a long tradition of producing textiles and fabrics. Here is the shop at Lochcarron which still manufactures on site at Selkirk and is very strong on production of tartan and associated garments.

Lochcarron Tartan manufacturer, Selkirk, Scotland

Close to Kelso is Floors Castle. This is home to the Duke and Duchess of Roxburghe and dates from 1721. This visitor attraction includes gardens and grounds.

Floors Castle, Kelso, Scottish Borders

Clearly, a rich and interesting diversity of sites to explore in the Scottish Borders region.

Buildings, Castles, Churches, Clothing, Culture, History, Houses & Estates, Kiltmaker, Locations, Melrose Abbey, Scottish Borders, Tours none

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