Harris Tweed Qualification

The first nationally accredited course for Harris Tweed weavers begins today in Stornoway in an attempt to stop the ancient art dying out.  Over the next 12 weeks, the first group of trainees will be taught traditional skills practised by islanders for centuries. Successful students will receive official accreditation, allowing them to work as weavers.

The new training courses have been backed with investment from the European Social Fund, Skills Development Scotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the Western Isles Council.

After a slump lasting more than a decade, Harris Tweed is enjoying a revival, fuelled by its popularity among fashion designers. At the 2009 Scottish Fashion Awards it was named textile brand of the year.  However, despite this resurgence there is a fear that there will not be enough young weavers to benefit.

The courses are being developed and delivered by Cardonald College, which has recruited two Harris Tweed weavers to pass on their skills from a Stornoway training centre, which has been set up specifically for the course.

College spokesman Sam Goates said: "We were very pleased with the enthusiastic response and diverse range of people who applied for the course.

"The college worked with the industry to run a series of information sessions which gave people an opportunity to hear about the industry from the mills and from existing weavers.  It is clear that there is a strong interest in the weaving occupation and lifestyle within the local community."

For more information on the sector you can visit the Creative and Cultural Skills website.