The Guardian’s Lovely Video On Harris Tweed

I went to Scotland as a very small child, and my mother was a weaver when I was growing up, so I’ve always had an affinity for Harris Tweed. There’s something about that magical mix of colors that only Harris Tweed gives you. I’d love to visit again.

This winter, my wife and I will be visiting Donegal, the home of the region’s other great weaving tradition. Donegal tweed is known for its distinctive flecked color scheme. For the last 100 years, Harris Tweed has been a protected trademark – it can only be produced by hand looms in Harris & Lewis. There’s no such protection for Donegal tweed, and so while the style remains popular, there are only a few weaving companies remaining in Donegal making tweed. I’m looking forward to a visit, though.