Weaving on the isle of mull

Mull can never be considered as the black sheep of the family of islands off the north-west coast of Scotland as the farm I visited recently certainly makes use of their native Black Hebridean sheep.

It certainly was a trek along the single track roads, occasionally dodging the grazing sheep, to Ardalanish but well worth the visit as the bobbin winding machine and their two huge looms were working non-stop in their machine shed!

Weaving is a part of the history of Mull, going back 100’s of years where more than 4000 weavers worked prior to the Clearances. Modern day weavers at Ardalanish only use natural dyes to ensure that every garment created will last for generations. 

I couldn’t resist a purchase in their fantastic touchy-feely shop and amongst other purchases, I am now the proud wearer of a pure new wool scarf with a delicate green stripe dyed by lupin leaves taken from their surrounding 1500 acres and using the solar dyeing process - an environmentally friendly way to complete the dyeing process.

It was fabulous to witness a traditional skill in full flow. A visit to this weaving experience is not to be missed when on Mull so if you have the opportunity to go you will not be disappointed and are sure to come away with a fantastic gift either for yourself or for a friend or loved one.