Re-introducing Harris tweed to the Canadian and United States markets is the focus of a major research project being commissioned by Western Isles Enterprise (WIE) and the Harris Tweed Authority (HTA).

Following on from the Harris Tweed Redevelopment Programme, this £80,000 market research project is due to be completed by July.  Based on the findings, a marketing strategy may prepare for re-entry into the Canadian market by as early as this Autumn, concentrating on the USA next year.

Harris Tweed is extremely important to the economy of the Western Isles directly creating the equivalent of over 190 full-time equivalent (FTES) jobs.  Indirect employment is estimated to exceed 60 full-time jobs according to an economic impact survey carried out by WIE on the sector.   The industry is also responsible for producing around £7.9m worth of the Island's exports making textiles the sixth most important value generator for the Western Isles economy.

In the past, both Canada and the USA have been lucrative markets for Harris Tweed but in the period from 1992 - 2000 sales declined substantially.

With assistance from WIE via the 'Harris Tweed Redevelopment Programme', the industry has adapted over the past decade, increasing the range of tweeds on offer.  The traditional cloth is still available but lighter weight tweeds with new patterns and colours are proving popular with designers across Europe and present an opportunity for re-establishing markets for Harris Tweed on the other side of the Atlantic.

Chief executive at WIE, Donnie Macaulay said: "At one time Harris Tweed was perceived as a premium product in Canada and USA and we hope that a targeted marketing strategy will see a return to those days.  The Harris Tweed industry supports jobs in fragile areas and is extremely valuable to the Western Isles economy."

Iain Angus Mackenzie of the HTA said: "The industry recognises the great potential of the North American markets we believe there is now an opportunity to go back in at the top end with a radically different cloth from the one that went out of fashion in the late 80's.  We are grateful to WIE for their support on this matter."