Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
Press Release
25 November 2008
Comhairle Leads Way On Harris Tweed Investment Fund
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar today expressed its commitment to supporting a Harris Tweed Investment Fund in order to sustain weavers and ensure the retention of a viable weaving workforce.
Representatives from the industry, including the weavers and tweed producers, have all now expressed their support for the Fund.
The Comhairle is leading on discussions with the Scottish Government to identify a funding solution. If a solution is achieved, the Comhairle is hopeful that the Harris Tweed Investment Fund will be operational by the beginning of 2009.
To move matters forward a report will go the Comhairle’s Policy and Resources Committee in December seeking to finalise the operational and financial details of the scheme. The Comhairle objective is to get the Fund operational very soon after that meeting.
Comhairle Leader, and Chair of the Harris Tweed Industry Liaison Group, Angus Campbell, said, “Given the challenges facing the Harris Tweed industry, and the challenges presented by the wider economic climate, it is essential that we find new ways to ensure additional investment is made available in this key sector for the islands. I am determined that we put this innovative Investment Fund in place to ensure that weavers are supported over the next period. Weavers are the life-blood of the Harris Tweed industry and it is essential that we find ways to support a viable future for them. I am encouraged that there is strong commitment from industry for the Fund and I am very hopeful that the Fund will soon be operational.”
. . . . . . .
Nigel Scott
Communications Officer
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
Tel: 01851 822622 (Work)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk
Ruairidh Maciver
Communications Assistant
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
Tel: 01851 822615 (Work)
Tel: 07881 774601 (Mobile)
email: ruairidh.maciver@cne-siar.gov.uk
