Harris Tweed by Kenneth Mackenzie produces sustainable British wool fabrics
11/11/2024
UKFT member Harris Tweed by Kenneth Mackenzie is a one-of-a-kind mill independently owned by an Islander. Located in Stornoway, the mill exclusively makes fabrics from ethically sourced British wool.
Scroll down to read more about Harris Tweed® and its heritage.
Established in 1904, Harris Tweed produces premium quality fabric and provides a large range of products such as jackets, handbags, purses, soft furnishings and accessories. Located in Stornoway Scotland, it is the only mill independently owned by an Islander.
In addition to being renowned for its 100% wool fabrics, the mill is recognised for its eco-friendly qualities and focus on being renewable, biodegradable and recyclable.
Founded by island crofters to shield themselves from the harsh Hebridean climate, Harris Tweed® became a vital source of income for families facing the challenges of island life.
Although the company has grown and evolved since those early days, it has maintained its roots and remains an important, locally based mill that reflects the culture and heritage of the islands.
“Our ethos at Kenneth Mackenzie is founded on ensuring the sustainability of the industry and its furtherance for future generations of Islanders.”
Deeply rooted in the Gaelic-speaking Islanders from whom it originated, Harris Tweed® continues to provide employment for its descendants, while promoting the sustainability of island life.
“We recognise the vital need for skills to be passed on to young Islanders, both as proficient millworkers and weavers. As a business we offer young people the opportunity to earn while they learn by training them alongside skilled mill staff.
We are also frontrunners in training new, young weavers on a one-to-one basis. Sustainability for us is very much a social as well as an environmental concept.”
The United Kingdom is a global leader in animal welfare: “Indeed, we were the first country to put it into legislation even before Lady Dunmore introduced Harris Tweed® to fashionable society.
To this day British wool is sourced from UK farms operating under the strictest animal welfare legislation in the world. Harris Tweed® by Kenneth Mackenzie Ltd is manufactured using premium British wool.”
Discover Harris Tweed® online:
Harris Tweed® on becoming of member of UKFT:
“Part of the global textiles industry, Harris Tweed® by Kenneth Mackenzie Ltd, needs to be in touch with constantly evolving fashions, markets, and world logistics. Joining UKFT is a logical step for us, as a major player in the UK textiles market we want to stay informed and aware of the global context in which we operate.” Not yet a member?