A project aimed at promoting the versatility of the region’s wool has received a cash boost.
The Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere’s The Wool Gathering scheme aims to showcase wool’s diverse potential as a sustainable resource.
And six months on from being launched, it’s received funding from the Blackface Breeders’ Association which will help drive the project forward and raise awareness of the important part sheep farming plays in region’s heritage and economy.
Melanie Allen, chairman of the biosphere’s partnership board, said: “This is an extremely exciting initiative for us, as it encompasses what is truly special about the remit of a UNESCO biosphere.
“The Wool Gathering brings together innovation through partnership-working, combining creativity with enterprise to develop our circular economy.
“It is fantastic to see the biosphere team collaborating with a network of industry experts to embark on this new journey to identify gaps in the market for Blackface sheep wool products.
“We are delighted that the Blackface Sheep Breeders’ Association will be part of that journey and we very much value their expertise and support.”
The biosphere was designated in 2012 and includes vast landscapes of hill grazing where Blackface sheep are the dominant breed. Their wool is sold for use in the carpet and mattress trades, with high levels of wastage.
British Wool will help the project source 1,000kg of Blackface wool produced in the region, with the next stage to create and test items of outerwear.
President of the Blackface Sheep Breeders’ Association, Alec Telfer, said: “For far too long wool has become an expensive by-product of sheep farming.
“What used to be a most valuable commodity has completely fallen off the radar.
“This exciting project, where the aim is to produce high end garments entirely and exclusively from the very best quality Blackface wool, is what has been needed for a very long time.”
