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Harris Tweed weavers will require official qualification       13/4/10

 

 

 

 

Only weavers with the industry’s new skills qualification will be able to be issued with tweeds in a radical change to the Harris Tweed sector.

 

The mills and Harris Tweed Authority are convinced of the need to recognise the unique skills involved in weaving.

 

They have agreed that,  from March 2011, only accredited weavers will be issued with tweeds.

 

Accrediting the existing Harris Tweed weavers is part of the wider Harris Tweed Skills programme, which has already led to new training opportunities for mill staff, while re-establishing formal training for new weavers.

 

Harris Tweed weavers are being urged to snap up the opportunity to have their skills officially recognised to secure the long term future of top quality weaving on the islands.

 

Backed by the Harris Tweed mills and the Weavers Association, the programme which gives participants an industry endorsed award starts later this month.   

 

Morris Black, Chair of the Weavers Association commented: "It is really important that the skills of the existing Harris Tweed weavers are officially recognised.  

 

“We have been involved in the design of the assessment process, to ensure that the qualification awarded will reflect the high level of skill and experience that already exist in the industry."

 

Participants will work with two highly experienced local weavers. Kirsty Scott of Upper Quartile, the company managing the project, said:  "The reviews will recognise existing skills, give feedback, and provide any further training for those who might welcome this opportunity."   

 

All weavers have been sent a registration form by Cardonald College, who have designed the assessment process and will award the formal qualification. In addition, forms can be obtained from the Harris Tweed Authority.  Forms should be returned directly to Cardonald College by mid April.

 

Support for the programme from the European Social Fund, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar means it is currently being offered free.