10 February 2009

Save Harris Tweed!

In a recent documentary for BBC Radio 4, entitled The Battle of the Tweed (broadcast 6th February), financial journalist Lesley Campbell investigates how new ideas could save the fragile local Harris Tweed industry, which is on the brink of disappearing.

As lifetime weaver Angus Mackenzie notes, the Harris Tweed industry 'kept future generations on the islands, it sustained the Gallic language and culture over a fair number of years. If it hadn't been for Harris Tweed, these islands would be a wasteland now.'

Can the iconic fabric fight the credit-crunch? Let's hope Vivienne Westwood joins the battle.

Caroline.

You can listen to the programme again until the 14th February on BBC iPlayer.
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5 comments:

  1. Anonymous10 February 2009 at 13:56

    I just listened to this and it really is a sad reality that the Harris Tweed industry is flailing. But what strikes me, is why the government doesn't offer financial help? Though Harris Tweed is a company like any other, this issue is about craft and heritage but also, as this documentary reveals, peoples jobs and lives.

    Daniel

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous11 February 2009 at 23:11

    Save the tweed!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous12 February 2009 at 16:35

    It's so odd to think that it could die out! It's used in menswear nearly every year! Maybe Scotsman Christopher Kane can join forces with Vivienne!

    Elly

    ReplyDelete
  4. generalduncan8 April 2009 at 18:59

    Harris Tweed is fantastic and must be saved either by private sector or by the government, if necessary. it must be nationalized for protection.

    ReplyDelete
  5. generalduncan8 April 2009 at 19:01

    Buy Harris Tweed to save it. If nobody buys it, how could people making it survive?

    ReplyDelete

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