Scottish knitting

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 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 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

duo celebrate the provenance of their creations, the diversity of fleeces, the character in every flock, and the amazing properties of wool. Read more of their story at achpopulifarm.net.

Outstanding Angus Wool Julie Hermitage of Wester Coul Farm in Angus initially embraced wool products in an effort to soothe her son’s asthma. It was suggested she try him under wool bedding and the immediate benefits were notable. This led to Julie conducting further research and working with universities to turn the wool from her own 600-strong flock of Scottish mules, Blackfaces, Texels and Cheviots into a new farm diversification project.

Her company, Uan Wool, offers ‘sleep solutions’ from her Scottish Wool Bedding Company. She also runs evening classes, such as needle felting, so locals can try their hand at a new craft. Browse Julie’s products at uanwool.co.uk, including cosy hot-water-bottle covers for £35.

Fife Finery For an outfit from top to toe, the House of Bluebell has collated a collection of fine wool products to peruse. Back in 2010 Wendy Crawford started sending wool from her 300-strong flock of Cheviot sheep at Powguild Farm in Fife, to Galashiels British Wool Depot where it’s mixed and sold as a ‘British Wool’ on the global markets.

Alongside this, Wendy’s team purchases Scottish fabric with which to create a selection of clothing that can be bought

Uan Wool hot water bottle cover online. She’s also regularly found selling her wares at the Royal Highland Show in the National Sheep Association Marquee. The House of Bluebell is also at the cutting edge of helping create and organise a new tailors qualification in Scotland, due to launch imminently.

Choose a signature piece such as a tailored jacket in police box blue (£340), complement it with a signature tartan skirt (long - £140, short - £130), and complete the look with a handbag in House of Bluebell’s signature tartan (£85). houseofbluebell. com.

A Highland Gathering Darach Croft in Strontian offers a range of experiences, from goat walking to forest therapy. It’s also brought together the ‘Hand Crofted’ range: a collective of artisan craft makers based in the Highlands. The makers use natural or up-cycled materials wherever possible, predominantly locally sourced, to create their bespoke products. In terms of wool, discover bespoke felted pictures inspired by nature, felted fleece rugs (from £100), and warm woollen scarves (from £30) made from a mix of wool from sheep raised on Darach Croft combined with Merino wool. darachcroft.com

Alpaca Antics Move over sheep, the alpacas are coming! Bowbridge Alpacas are based in Peat Inn, Fife and are well known for their one or two hour Alpaca Experiences. They also offer the chance to meet the alpacas virtually through Zoom Party Packages. Another feather in the farmer’s cap is selling alpaca beanies (£55), or customers can knit their own by picking up a pattern and kit for £3.95 (or the pattern comes free with a wool order). Crafty needle felting kits are also available for £20. Visit their online shop at bowbridgealpacas.com.

House of Bluebell

In 2022, there’s no excuse not to look stylish, feel snug and support a Scottish farmer all at the same time.

Janice Hopper is a freelance writer based in Aberdeen who’s written features, copy and social media text for a range of publications and clients. Her Scottish family travel blog, Scots2Travel.com, covers child-friendly short breaks, attractions and activities.