Tweed weaves its way from Scottish islands to the fashion runway

Harris tweed weaver Ian Mackay works on his pedal powered loom in his weaving shed in Shawbost on the Isle Of Lewis. Photo: AFP

In the cluttered workshop of his home off the coast of northwest Scotland, Ian Mackay patiently weaves a bright green wool, surrounded by bags of fabric, spools and tools.

He makes a steady clatter as he pedals his machine in the shed of his croft on the village of South Shawbost on the Isle of Lewis, watching closely for any defects.