Harris Tweed Industry Liason Group

Council Leader Angus Campbell

Action is needed now to address the ageing demographic of the workforce and future demand for Harris Tweed.

That was one of the messages at a meeting this week of the Harris Tweed Industry Liaison Group.

Attendees from the private and public sectors discussed developments and priorities within the industry, including training and market research.

Comhairle Leader, and Chair of the Liaison Group, Angus Campbell, said, “Everyone round the table was positive about the future of the industry.

In relation to training, the feedback we are getting from the industry is that we need to act now to address the ageing demographic of the workforce and future demand for Harris Tweed.

Training courses for a small number of new weavers will be starting in 2010 and will be advertised in the local press.

The Mills remain committed to securing work for the current and future weaving workforce.”

The Liaison Group was also attended by Peter Ackroyd, International Textiles Consultant.

Peter spoke on Harris Tweed as an ideal fit with today’s niche market consumers; who are concerned with ethical purchases that have provenance and authenticity.

In relation to this, the liaison group is due to commission market consumer research in the USA, Russia and Japan which will identify future opportunities and directions for the cloth.

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