The Campaign for Wool collaborated with British Wool at the Royal Highland Show to host a ‘Flock to Fashion’ Event

British Wool held a fashion show during each day of the Royal Highland Show from 22 to 25 July, to showcase the best of British wool across a range of garments and renowned Scottish brands. The ‘Flock to Fashion’ shows featured models, all with an agricultural background, to debut the latest collections from brands such as Harris Tweed Hebrides, Lochcarron of Scotland and Eribé Knitwear.

In addition to the fashion show, British Wool had a dedicated space in the retail sector to highlight locally sourced wool products, featuring high-quality wool furnishings and fashion including knitwear and luxurious blankets.

Graham Clark, Marketing Director at British Wool, said: “The fashion show is a chance for us to highlight Britain’s rich textile heritage and the timeless appeal of British wool. It’s a brilliant opportunity to bring together iconic Scottish brands – from the traditional elegance of Harris Tweed to the contemporary pieces from Eribé Knitwear, as well as other British brands such as Peregrine, Glencroft and Aubin.  We’re thrilled to have members of the public that have strong links to farming take to the runway as our models. It infuses the show with a genuine connection to the heritage of wool and the industry, something that we aim to champion.”

Peter Ackroyd COO, The Campaign for Wool said “The Campaign are working in collaboration with British Wool, Harris Tweed Authority and Harris Tweed Hebrides to highlight wool at The Royal Highland Show and its natural performance benefits when used in knitwear and tailoring. As HRH The Prince of Wales, the Campaign for Wool Patron HM King Charles III, has met with over forty spinner, weaver and knitwear wool processors in the UK and Italy and has recorded several robust wool ecological and environmental messages for key trade events and the award winning film ‘Why Wool Matters’.”

Visitors also had the chance to see the World Shearing Championships, sample delicious local food and drink at Scotland’s Larder, and see some live music at the Royal Highland Hoolie.

The final day at the Royal Highland Show in Edinburgh, Scotland’s biggest agricultural event, held the finals of the 2023 Golden Shears Sheep Shearing & Wool Handling World Championships. Showcasing the art, skill and techniques it takes to be a world champion sheep shearer, with 30 countries taking part, and under welfare guidance.

The winner of the individual machine shearing World Championships title was Gwion Lloyd Evans from Wales who managed to shear 20 sheep in 14.56 minutes, other winners were Rosie Keenan from Scotland for Wool Handling and Bonile Rabela from South Africa for Blade and Zwelamakhosi Mbuweni took silver.

Pictured here Bonile Rabela and Zwelamakhosi Mbuweni with Izak Klopper, South African team manager and head of shearer training for the NWGA (National Wool Growers Association of South Africa).

The visit by the South African team gave them the perfect opportunity to fine-tune their shears for coarser wools and to familiarize themselves with Scottish breeds, such as the vigorous Scottish Black Face Sheep. Shearing is one of the most important processes within the South African wool industry.

“We are extremely proud of the incredible team who represented South Africa amongst 29 other countries. It is moments like these that inspire us to continue promoting the excellence of our wool industry and empowering the next generation of shearers.” Cape Wools SA