Further Scottish Adventures: The Islay Woollen Mill

For those who enjoyed my recent online article about Islay, Scotland, a place I hold near and dear to my heart, I also highly recommend the Islay Woollen Mill. The approach to this marvelous place is one of the least promising I can imagine, a rutted dirt road that leads to a building that looks in need of a little TLC.  It is a jumble inside—but what a jumble! Here you will find an incredible array of artisanally made tweeds and cashmeres the likes of which you will not find elsewhere.  Originally started in 1883, it was lovingly brought back to life by Gordon and Sheila Covell, and if Gordon is about (as he often is) ask him about the day a black Range Rover pulled up and who emerged to cast her royal eyes on his wares.

The Islay Woollen Mill made all the tartans used in the films Braveheart and Rob Roy, and while we were there, a loom was being set up to run off material for Steven Spielberg’s film version of the hit play, War Horse.  Bolts of superb tweed are for sale, as are caps, scarves, blankets, ties and jackets, all made from the Covell’s looms.  I highly recommend a visit. You’ll probably leave as I did with a couple of bolts of cloth destined for smart sports coats.  There is an online shop as well. -A.H. On the road between Bridgend and Port Askaig. Tel. 011-44-1496-810677.