The economy of the Outer Hebrides received a welcome boost this week after HIE Innse Gall announced financial support for not just one but two Harris Tweed mills.

Production of Harris Tweed has fallen in recent decades and currently the only significant trader, Stornoway-based Harris Tweed Scotland Ltd, has chosen to limit its range of designs which are all made up into men's jackets for sale by the firm's sister company.

In an effort to continue supplying the unique product to retailers and designers, two separate operators put forward business plans to the local enterprise company this year.

Harris Tweed Hebrides (HT-Heb) is moving into the currently dormant Shawbost Harris Tweed mill on the west coast of Lewis. The new company applied for £204,000 to install new and reconditioned equipment and for working capital to re-establish production at the plant. The operation is predicted to provide 29 new direct full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs.

Chairman of Harris Tweed Hebrides, Brian Wilson said: "This grant will support investment in our Finishing Department, which has not previously existed in Shawbost, and make the mill self-sufficient.

"We look forward to production getting under way early in the New Year, and to an exciting future for the company and the industry."

While a little further down the west coast at Carloway, Harris Tweed Textiles Manufacturing Ltd (HT-Tex) is looking to significantly increase its modest operation. The firm employs eight FTE jobs and currently concentrates only on yarn production, but also senses a 'gap in the market'
for a good selection of tweed patterns.

The firm has applied for assistance of £128,000 to enable it to invest in cloth finishing equipment and set it up to service a worldwide market for Harris Tweed.

Derek Reid of Harris Tweed Textile (Manufacturing) Ltd said: "This is great news for my company and for the industry. The team at Carloway have worked extremely hard and we are delighted to be getting this support from HIE. It will be of great assistance in meeting the objectives we have set for ourselves along with HIE."

The two companies are investing considerable amounts of money in their ventures which should collectively provide around 43 FTE jobs.

Both firms have considerable experience of the industry among their board members and their proposals are set to significantly increase the level of work for the Outer Hebrides' 100 or so weavers.

Donnie MacAulay, area director of HIE Innse Gall said: "We are delighted to be able to approve both of these applications. They are pursuing a different market to the existing operator but we hope that in the coming years, all those involved in the industry will recognise the benefits of close co-operation in marketing and supplying Harris Tweed.

"This is an industry that cascades the benefits of its operation right across the islands and it associates the Outer Hebrides with a product of outstanding excellence. HIE Innse Gall has been pleased to encourage and assist expressions of interest from these companies. The approval of assistance for their business plans is positive news for the area's economy."