Speysiders make it to top retailer listing with woollen throw
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A SPEYSIDE farm and local woolmill have secured a listing of locally produced Scottish wool throws in premium retailer Harvey Nichols.
Dalrachie Farm, in Ballindalloch, which also operates as a working cattle and sheep farm, is run by Alan and Sarah-Jane Forbes, who sell their highly desirable wool clip from their flock of 350 North Country Hill Cheviot ewes to Knockando Woolmill just 12 miles from the farm.
The wool is woven on Europe’s oldest spinning and weaving machinery into Dalrachie Throw blankets and sold in Harvey Nichols’ flagship stores in Edinburgh and London as part of its PAD Lifestyle collection – a curated selection of 200 of the world's best international brands and independent designers and makers.
Sarah-Jane, who is also part-time general manager at Knockando Woolmill, said: "As a Scotch-assured farm, quality and sustainability are high on our agenda, from the Scotch Lamb PGI and Scotch Beef PGI we produce to the wool that we sell.
"It has been a great opportunity to connect the dots between a sheep standing in a field right through to a premium luxury product, available to purchase in one of the most prestigious stores in the UK.
"I think it’s important, especially in the current climate, that people know exactly where their products are coming from, and the textile industry is benefitting from the traceability messaging.
"For someone shopping in Harvey Nichols in Edinburgh or London to know that they’re purchasing a premium wool product produced sustainably at a small Scottish farm is something that holds a lot of appeal – and we’re really proud to offer people that awareness of where their items originate."
Lesley Cameron, director of marketing and communications from Quality Meat Scotland, which runs the Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb and Specially Selected Pork brands, said: "It’s hugely positive to see Dalrachie Farm really living what it means to be a Scotch-assured brand – traceability, sustainability and quality.
"Sarah-Jane and Alan have successfully highlighted the different ways that Scottish farms are seizing new opportunities that give people the chance to learn about where their products originate from.
"It’s fantastic to see a quality Scottish brand on the shelves at one of the country’s top retailers."
