FollowText.com » Recreation-and-leisure » Destinations » Tweed and the Isle of Harris

Tweed and the Isle of Harris

by: AngusMacleod
Total views: 6 | Word Count: 640

Scotland has played an incredibly important role in the development of Western society. Scottish folk have made their mark on all continents of the world in all aspects of life from the development of the first national park in America to the spread of Christianity in Africa and Asia. However Scotland is only a very small country and when we think of it we tend to consider such things as Tartan, Kilts bagpipes and Harris Tweed.

Strangely much of what we consider to be traditionally Scottish, such as Harris Tweed and tartan is something of a Victorian invention created by the likes of Sir Walter Scott. Scott wrote incredible novels which romanticized Scotland and went to great lengths to introduce the British Royal Family to the country they ruled. Queen Victoria fell in love with Scotland and spent much of her life at Balmoral. Throughout her rule new tartan patterns were developed and much of the traditional Scotland we know today grew from this time.

Sir Walter Scott stimulated the Royal Family's interest in Scotland who, in turn caused the English upper classes to become interested. During the reign of Queen Victoria Scotland became more accessible through the building of railway lines and it was not long before the upper classes of England began to visit. Indulging in the pursuits of hunting and fishing these early tourists did much to start the Scottish tourist industry.

While a small number of visitors ventured as far as the Outer Hebrides the majority wore Harris Tweed. Harris Tweed, produced only on the Isle of Harris (and Lewis) is a hard wearing and durable cloth of somber colors which was ideally suited for use in clothing for the Victorian and Edwardian upper class visitors. In 1844 the Earl of Dunmore had asked the weavers of Harris to create a cloth in a similar style to the Murray Tartan. Much encouraged by Lady Dunmore the cloth was made in various styles and quickly became popular.

Hand made from local wool and colored using unique natural dyes there were few other materials that could compete. However it was not to last as cheaper materials became available from abroad. At an early stage the weavers of Harris ensured that only cloth produced in the Outer Hebrides could bear the name "Harris Tweed" and this has meant that the material is still produced today.

In many ways Harris Tweed has remained a popular material with many and the typical Harris Tweed jacket still sells extremely well. In recent years use of the material has diversified greatly and has been used in high fashion on a number of occasions. It is now possible to find a wide selection of product made from it and companies, such as Nike, have recognized it's qualities and used it in their products.

While depopulation continues to be a problem in the Hebrides much has been done to stimulate industry. Today one of the most important industries is the tourist trade which continues to grow year by year and is now a major element in the local economy. Crofting and the weaving of Harris Tweed continue to have a role but, unfortunately, the tweed industry suffered a major set back with the closure of the main mill. While the future of the industry is uncertain it is likely that there will be an enormous effort to regenerate it.

There is plenty to attract the visitor to the Isle of Harris, the rich Gaelic culture, the incredible number of archaeological sites, the unique flora and fauna and, last but not least, some of the most astounding landscapes to be seen in Scotland and the United Kingdom. Getting there is now easier than ever and while there are airports most travel by road across to the Isle of Skye and then by ferry to the village of Tarbert or Lochmaddy in Uist.

About the Author

Why not visit the island and stay in a Isle of Harris Hotel or in Harris bed and breakfast?

Tweed and the Isle of Harris

About the Author

More Articles from: Destinations