Harris Tweed

The Harris Tweed Act of 1993 defines the cloth in law: it must be made from pure virgin wool, dyed and spun in the Outer Hebrides, and handwoven by the islanders at their own homes in the Outer Hebrides, then finished there. The Harris Tweed Authority, set up by the Act, describes it as the only fabric in the world with its own act of parliament, and the Orb mark, stamped every three metres, is applied by an independent authority after inspection. Weaving happens in small sheds beside houses on treadle-powered Hattersley looms, so the weaver's legs drive the machine; a full-width double-width loom introduced in the 1990s is also used. Many weavers welcome visitors by arrangement, and the sound of the loom carries down the road. The wool was traditionally dyed with lichen and other local materials, which is where the muted heather colours came from.

The main sights

• The home looms - treadle machines in sheds beside the weavers' houses.
• The Orb mark - an inspected stamp applied every three metres of cloth.
• The 1993 Act - the cloth's own protective law.
• The mill process - dyeing and spinning done on the islands before weaving.

When to go

Year-round; weavers work through the year and visits are by arrangement rather than fixed hours. Summer brings more open sheds and shops. The mills in Shawbost and Stornoway run tours on some days.

Before you go

Weavers are running businesses, not attractions, and turning up unannounced is not always welcome; contact ahead. Cloth is expensive and sold by the metre or as finished goods. Much of what is sold in mainland shops as tweed is not Harris Tweed and lacks the Orb mark.

Nearby

Callanish and the Lewis west side are close; Harris and Luskentyre lie south.