farming diversification
Cosy Scottish Knits for 2022 By Janice Hopper
As the properties of wool continue to be celebrated, we highlight a flock of talented farmers who’ve diversified into creating the snuggest Scottish knits. A Mill on Mull Ardalanish is a remarkable farm when it comes to cosy knits. Not only is this 1500 acre estate home to Kyloe Highland cattle and Hebridean sheep, but Ardalanish has its own mill, looms and skilled weavers on site. Originally the sheep’s fleece were sent away after shearing, but the prices paid were so low that other options were considered, including weaving. In 2002 an old cow shed was transformed into a mill, an outbuilding became a shop, and the Ardalanish Isle of Mull Weavers became a reality. Today, Ardalanish still works its own wool, but also
Sunrise shawl
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brings in fleeces from around Mull alongside wool from other native breeds such Shetland whites and coloured, and Manx Loaghtan. Browse goods, such as their classic Sunrise Shawl (£85), at ardalanish.com. Speyside Blankets Woven at the Knockando Woolmill, less than five miles from Campbell Cairns Farm where the sheep graze, these colourful blankets are a cosy product of Morayshire. The blankets are traded under the name Elchies, and the ‘Borealis’ blanket’s colour palette is inspired by the Northern Lights, which are regularly witnessed in the Speyside skies.
The blankets are created from an 80:20 mix of Elchies’ Ryeland wool, and Huacaya alpaca fibres. For those seeking something exclusive, this production is a limited edition, with only 75 blankets created. Each one comes with its own certificate, so start 2022 with a snuggle at elchies.co.uk. The Fairest of the Fair For Fair Isle knits, head north for Shetland. The Mackenzie farm shop in Cunningsburgh is a regular pit stop for foodies, selling beef, lamb, pork, vegetables and fruit, alongside a range of jams, chutney and relish, but it also does a fine line in knitwear. Aister ‘oo’ Blosta fingerless gloves (£30) are handcrafted by Mona Halcrow, aged 84, on the Croft at Aister. Wool from the family’s natural, native Shetland sheep on their croft has been in the family for
Elchies blanket
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generations, so browse a range of men and women’s knits at mackenziesfarmshop.co.uk. A Bobble Hat for Nessie Katharine Sharp and her mother, Penelope Hamilton, create woollies from their small flock of sheep in Abriachan, near Loch Ness. Achpopuli farm is home to Aberdeen-Angus cross cattle, Shetland ducks, Shetland geese, and Shetland sheep. The sheep are grass fed, the younger ones born and raised by Katharine, using regenerative farming methods and as few chemicals as possible. Katherine handclips the sheep, and their yarn is naturally dyed by Loch Ness Knitting. Next, using a variety of wet felting, weaving and needle felting techniques, along with her mother’s knitting skills, Katharine creates a mix of hats, cuffs, hot-water-bottle covers and rugs. The mother and daughter
