What is Harris tweed? How the classic Scottish fabric is seeing a resurgence
'When you see tweed on the runway, you don't expect it to come from here,' joked 38-year-old former banker Alexander MacLeod as he set up his loom in a converted barn on the shores of a Scottish loch.
MacLeod became a weaver two years ago, joining residents on the islands of Lewis and Harris, off Scotland's northwest coast, in helping rejuvenate the tweed industry after a significant period of decline.
'It's a good thing to keep the tradition going,' he said.
Tweed is a symbol of Scottish heritage and has 'always been part of the culture' on the country's Outer Hebrides island chain, added Macleod, who hails from the island of Scalpay, which is connected to Harris by a bridge.
It is now 'an attractive sector to be in', he added.
Harris tweed weaver Alexander MacLeod works at his weaving loom in his atelier at his home, on the Isle of Scalpay. Photo: AFP
MacLeod works at his weaving loom at his home. Photo: AFP
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What is Harris tweed? How the classic Scottish fabric is seeing a resurgence
'When you see tweed on the runway, you don't expect it to come from here,' joked 38-year-old former banker Alexander MacLeod as he set up his loom in a converted barn on the shores of a Scottish loch. MacLeod became a weaver two years ago, joining residents on the islands of Lewis and Harris, off Scotland's northwest coast, in helping rejuvenate the tweed industry after a significant period of decline. 'It's a good thing to keep the tradition going,' he said. Tweed is a symbol of Scottish heritage and has 'always been part of the culture' on the country's Outer Hebrides island chain, added Macleod, who hails from the island of Scalpay, which is connected to Harris by a bridge. It is now 'an attractive sector to be in', he added. Harris tweed weaver Alexander MacLeod works at his weaving loom in his atelier at his home, on the Isle of Scalpay. Photo: AFP MacLeod works at his weaving loom at his home. Photo: AFP
