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'Bright future' for Harris tweed
26/08/2008
The Harris Tweed industry has a bright future, Jim Mather said today.
The Enterprise Minister was in the Western Isles to tour Harris Tweed mills and meet representatives of the industry to discuss a sustainable future for Harris Tweed.
Jim Mather said:
"Harris Tweed is a unique and iconic product and a distinctive and valued part of Scotland's economic and cultural landscape. I welcome the renewed and growing determination in the Western Isles for continual, collective action to build a sustainable future for Harris Tweed.
"There has been significant investment by Harris Tweed companies in recent years. The formation of the Association of Harris Tweed Weavers will promote the industry. The Harris Tweed Liaison industry group, featuring the Council, Highland and Islands Enterprise, the Harris Tweed Authority and the industry, will develop actions to support the sustainable and profitable development. The Liaison Group is also assisted by Scottish Development International and Scottish Enterprise National Textile Team.
"This points to an industry which already knows it must do all it can to compete in the global textiles market. And I have seen today a huge amount of energy, innovation, investment and collaboration to keep Harris Tweed a successful global brand, attracting and retaining customers.
"We are committed to establishing the right business conditions to help our companies and we do all we can to support key industries such as Harris Tweed. Harris Tweed is hugely important to the Western Isles economy and we will continue to support the industry as it drives towards a bright and sustainable future, for the Isles and for Scotland."
Mr Mather toured three mills at Shawbost, Carloway and Stornoway, then met the Harris Tweed Industry Liaison group.
As part of his ongoing and proactive engagement with key sectors in Scotland, Mr Mather is meeting people in industry sectors and communities to gain a collective understanding of the contribution each can make to sustainable economic growth. This evening he will hold a session for everyone involved in Harris Tweed to hear their views on challenges and opportunities for the industry.