[cessna152towser]

There was a light fall of snow as we set off for Lochcarron in Selkirk this morning.

Arrival at the holy grail of Lochcarron Visitor Centre.

Warping area

Warping the threads

The workings of the Suzuki warping mill are explained to Tom.

Sulzer Loom producing Isle of Skye tartan

Binding the tartan

The darning room where minor production flaws are repaired manually.

The finishing processes

Some freshly made bales of tartan fabric.
More to follow shortly.

[cessna152towser]

Xmarkers are let loose in the warehouse which holds stocks of about 2,500 tartans

The Cutter. Separating Diana Rose tartan cashmere to manufacture scarves.

Vintage hand loom

The Highland Granite kilt on display was my exact size, waist 39, seat 47, length 23 inches and I was able to purchase this fine Strome weight kilt for just £250 as compared with the regular price of £385. A jones free kilt bargain!

While in Selkirk I took Tom to visit the Murray Aisle, where the maternal ancestors of Franklin D. Rosevelt are buried.

Back in Hawick, Tom inspects the siege machine at the Motte

Tom on the Motte

[auld argonian]

Aaaah! Great! And a "factory outlet" store in the bargain? It could only be better if they gave free samples. Thanks for the remarkable tour, Alex.

Best

AA

[sydnie7]

As I said just yesterday, I need to stop buying fabric and concentrate on making. That said. . . in your photo "Some freshly made bales of tartan fabric," does anybody know what tartan that is in the center of three on the cart? Lovely. . .

Fun photos as usual, Alex, thanks and congratulations on the bargain!

[A_Hay!]

Alex and the Stag

Visitor Center Store

Dyed yarn

Mechanical Shuttle

Finishing room. The lady knew my HAY tartan right away

Ladies and wee lassie dresses in Princess Diana Memorial Tartan

Gent's Outfit

Back in Hawick

[SFCRick]

a fantastic trip

[Ancienne Alliance]

What a D A N G E R O U S place to be !!!

...all these tartans . I'd probably get a heart attack. (or rather my banker would...)



Best,

Robert

[Tobus]

I'm jealous. I could spend days or even weeks there, gawking at the machinery. Being an engineer, I'm fascinated by that kind of stuff. I'd be asking them questions until they got tired of answering me. That looks like a very cool place to take a tour!

[tulloch]

Really really nice. What a wonderful place. I want to go!

[Chas]

To be able to tour round a weaving mill and get a new kilt - you are one lucky person Alex.

Regards

Chas