This page introduces you to the results of researching three manufacturers in the three main wool-textile Scottish Border towns of the present. They are Locharron of Scotland in Galashiels, Gardiners of Selkirk and Hawick Cashmere Company. An example of a Cashmere Woollen retailer in Edinburgh, Cashmere Classics is also offered here.
More detailed information on the products offered by these three companies,
particularly Locharron of Scotland can be viewed in
Gallery of Products.
Locharron of Scotland's main export destinations are USA, Japan,
Korea, France, Belgium and Germany, with a significant proportion also for the
home market.Gardiners of Selkirk's main export customers are in
Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Canada and the European Continent. About 35% each
goes to Europe and the home market, with the other 30% going to the rest of
the world. Hawick Cashmere Company see 80% of their products
exported to markets in Europe and the Far East.
Whereas in bygone days the Borders provided most of the raw material for
the woollen industry, most of it is now sourced from Australia and New Zealand
with Cashmere wool being obtained from mostly China. Some Shetland and Irish wool
is also used. The home produced wool is now mostly used for carpets
Front page
Contents
Index of
Present CompaniesCurrent Wool-Textile Production
Current Production Centres
Current Production Centres
The current centres of production are not much different from its hey day
in the 19th century, though at a much lower level of output. As indicated on
the map, the current wool-textile producing towns are, from west to east,
Peebles, Innerleithen, Melrose, Jedburgh, Duns, Coldstream, but mainly
concentrated in Galashiels, Hawick, and Selkirk, as during the 19th century.
Hence the examples of a company from each town.
Current Products
Locharron of Scotland, presently located in Galashiels,
are mainly known for their tartans, which are
produced in several natural fibre qualities from cashmere to silk. Jackets of
tweed (continuing this historic product), and of lambswool and cashmere are
also produced as our striped blazer and brushed mohair cloth. The luxurious
cashmere is also a significant material for their fabrics, scarves, throws,
stoles, travel rugs and knitwear.
Gardiners of Selkirk produce woollen spun yarns for weavers and
fabrics for jackets, skirting and coating weights in pure new wool and blends
of wool and natural fibres, including shetland, lambswool,donegal and boucle.
Hawick Cashmere Company specialise in cashmere and cashmere/silk
ladieswear and menswear. In addition to working with international couture
houses, the company supplies many of the world's leading speciality shops.
It is at the top end of the market offering designer clothes.
Main Export Destinations
Raw Material Sources
Selling a Scottish Image
How important is the identification with the Scottish Borders to the success
of the wool-textile industry there ? That is the question
that will seek to be addressed here. Mr. Jim Thomson, Managing Director of
Hawick Cashmere Company stated that "what we have got in the
Scottish Borders is a pool of very skilled labour which is able to meet
the requirements of the top international fashion companies in the world".
These three companies also believe that the Made in Scotland label
(in addition to their own company logos or symbols) is a crucial element in
their success. As Mr. B. Roberts, Managing Director of Gardiners of
Selkirk's aptly stated "Scotland has a good name for textile
products".
Cashmere Classics is a small retailer in Edinburgh's St. Mary's
Street, off the Royal Mile, who sell garments made in the Borders. The
proprietors, Mrs. Bromwyn Robertson and Mrs. Amanda Noble, also concurred that
the Made in Scotland label is the key factor in generating 75%
of their business, which is from tourists. The
other 25% is accounted for by local people, particularly during the Christmas
period. Whatever the origin of the customer, the quality of the product,
which is processed in the soft waters of the Borders and the skills of the
companies' workers, are crucial elements in their continuing success.
Current Production Centres
Current Products
Main Export Destinations
Raw Material Sources
Front page
Contents
Top of this page
Index of
Present Companies