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Harris Tweed

All holidays in the Outer Hebrides should include the opportunity to discover Harris Tweed – the world’s most luxurious wool fabric, exclusively handwoven in the Western Isles.

With a history spanning hundreds of years, from the early seventeenth century to present day, the story of Harris Tweed in the Outer Hebrides is one of romance, struggle and survival.

For centuries the inhabitants of these Western Isles have hand-woven cloth from the wool of their own sheep to protect them from the harsh and unpredictable climate (visitors today can still see Outer Hebrides weavers at work on selected Harris Tweed tours)

By the early 1800s, the commercial potential of this Scottish island fabric was recognised by Lady Catherine Herbert, widow of the 6^th Earl of Dunmore, who made every effort to promote it to mainland markets.

Her labours were successful and Harris Tweed fabric soon became popular with the country’s influential circles. Since then Outer Hebrides weaving industry has remained a beating heart of the islands – with modern day celebrities wearing Harris Tweed with pride and big name brands such as Nike using the traditional Scottish fabric in cutting edge design

Genuine Harris Tweed from the Outer Hebrides is identified by the historic Orb mark; the guarantee of authenticity so be sure to check for this if you plan to buy Harris Tweed products.

Woven by Western Isles weavers in their own homes, Harris Tweed is a truly magical and personalised cloth, set far apart from the mass produced products of today’s modern world.

Its uniqueness is enhanced further by the fact that it is the only fabric in the world today that is guarded and protected by its own Act of Parliament and statutory body, the Harris Tweed Authority.

With three Outer Hebrides Harris Tweed mills currently in production, and a number of retail outlets offering opportunities to purchase Harris Tweed in the Western Isles this unique Scottish cloth continues to captivate with its legacy and inspire with its colours all over the world.

Check out our Made in Outer Hebrides Art, Craft and Historical Guide.

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