Scotland’s Weaving Industry Revitalised
10 March 2010
Cardonald College Glasgow has launched a training centre on the Isle of Lewis offering a unique Harris Tweed weaving qualification.
Funded by Skills Development Scotland, SVQ Manufacturing Textile Products aims to set a weaving industry standard which will enable the skill to stabilise and grow.
The course sees 12 students being trained as the next generation of Harris Tweed weavers, with a focus on the practical skills of working on a hand loom and producing Harris Tweed which lives up to its prestigious reputation. The training centre will also be used to audit current weavers and establish national standards of work.
Cardonald's well respected fashion and textiles department has strong ties with Harris Tweed and last year Fashion Textiles students collaborated with the iconic brand to create a stunning exhibition of Harris Tweed garments at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.
Sam Goats, Project Manager for the course, said: "About 18 months ago, Harris Tweed approached the College and asked us how the brand could regenerate itself. Since then, we have worked together on a number of projects - including student assignments and fashion shows - and this latest development is the biggest step forward in our partnership.
"This course aims to establish and maintain a national standard for the weaving of Harris Tweed, which is something that has never existed before. Harris Tweed is such an important part of Scottish fashion, and Scottish culture, that it is vital that we protect its standards and nurture this wonderful skill.
"We have developed teaching and learning materials for the course which will give some structure to the way the skill is passed on and which will hopefully help to ensure Harris Tweed flourishes."