Yell tweed company hopes to raise profile after official launch

Yell-based Shetland Tweed Company recorded its latest landmark with an official launch on Saturday that saw more than 70 people attend the firm’s Sellafirth workshop.

Performing the opening ceremony, MSP Tavish Scott gave a speech and snipped a braided wool “ribbon” to reveal a number of examples and exhibits in the workshop’s exhibition space.

Textile expert Carol Christiansen of Shetland Museum was also in attendance at the launch, along with artists Shona Skinner and Diane Garrick, North Isles tourism development officer Kellie Naulls and SuperJam founder Fraser Doherty.

Designer Kirsty Jean Brabin, who is in partnership with Andy Ross in the business, said it had been a “really hectic day” with invited guests and a few people who just dropped by.

She added: “We invited quite a lot of local business people and there were quite a lot of local Yell people so it is great to have them behind us supporting what we do.

“This was just a celebration to say we are here and raise the profile of the company. We had no direct enquiries from the launch but we have had many enquiries from fashion companies, especially in London, and a lot of interest from big fashion houses.”

The visitors were treated to a display of textiles that were suspended by fishing line in “interesting ways” to give the illusion that the exhibits were floating.