Friday, 23rd April 2010
Support for Borders textile industry
Scottish Conservative MEP Struan Stevenson and MSP John Lamont visited top tartan maker Lochcarron of Scotland to show support for the Borders textile industry.
Textiles manufacturing employs around 3,000 people in the region – representing more than half of all Scottish textiles jobs.
Lochcarron manufacture prestigious woven fabrics, Highland wear, knitwear and accessories, designed and made in Selkirk, Hawick and Langholm. The family-owned firm has been in operation since 1947 and stocks the world’s largest range of tartans – over 700 in total. Lochcarron have kilted numerous celebrities from Sean Connery to cartoon ogre Shrek, as well as designing many new family, corporate & fashion tartans.
Struan Stevenson MEP said: “Lochcarron embodies the strength and vitality of the Borders tradition of woven textile manufacturing.
“As the world’s largest tartan maker, they have helped to make our national fabric world renowned – even supplying top fashion houses such as Jean Paul Gaultier, Vivienne Westwood and Ralph Lauren.
“It’s exactly these kind of unique, quality manufactures that Scotland must continue to excel in if we want to compete on the European and world stages.”
John Lamont MSP said: "The textiles industry has a proud history in the Borders and I want to ensure it also has a viable long-term future.
"Lochcarron is a well known name in the world of luxury textiles and is extremely important as a local employer.
"It is vital that firms like Lochcarron are supported so that they can continue to play an important role in the local economy."
David Ogilvy, Managing Director of Lochcarron said: “Lochcarron is both a Scottish and a global business. Our major markets are not just in Scotland, but also in North America, Australia and Europe serving the Scottish diaspora.
“Textiles manufactured in the Borders remain one of Scotland’s most important exports and the industry greatly values the support of our political representatives of all hues. It’s this kind of backing that helps ensure our industry is properly supported and promoted worldwide.”
