Our inspiring presentations will take place on Saturday 30 August in the Norie Miller Studio, Perth Concert Hall.
Building A Sustainable Future….. With Wool
In 2016, inspired by the Hebridean sheep that are helping them rebuild their family farm, and frustrated by low wool prices – and by how few options there were for bespoke wool processing in Scotland – Donna and Donald Gillies began researching ways to process their own wool for onward sale. Along the way, they met like-minded farmers, crofters, and crafters, resulting in Highland Wool being founded in 2022 as a Community Interest Company (CIC), and the first steps taken toward building a washing and carding micro-mill on the farm.
In 2024, they took on their first few brave – and patient – clients, and in June 2025 began their first full season of washing and carding wool from farms across the Highlands & Islands. Highland Wool CIC is the recipient of the ‘Sustainable Product’ award for the 2025 RBST Scotland Food & Farming Sustainability Awards.
Tartan Throughout The Ages
Meet Anna White, tartan aficionado, dairy farmer’s daughter, lover of all things outdoors and founder of ScotlandShop; a clans and textiles retail and experience business operating internationally. Winner of the Women’s Enterprise Scotland International Business award and the DIT Made in the UK, Sold Worldwide Awards, Anna has 20 years of experience in the retail world of Scottish textiles. Initially inspired to support the rural economy and incredible textiles industry in the Scottish Borders, Anna’s e-comm operation has expanded to shops in Scotland and the US, with a long list of events around the world to make sure everyone has a chance to unearth their heritage and join the tartan clan.
In Tartan Throughout The Ages, Anna will lead you into a brief history of tartan and clans, weaving and dyeing, fashion influences in tartan and some of the traditions behind Highland dress.