Historic Scottish Mill Seeks to Preserve Cashmere and Textile Skills

Scotland’s historic cashmere and tweed industry faces a decline as high production costs and an aging workforce threaten traditional skills. At the Alex Begg mill in Ayr, craftsmen like Maria Wade meticulously mend raw cashmere by hand, a rare skill in today’s fast-fashion era. The mill supplies luxury brands worldwide while striving to preserve heritage techniques.

To attract younger talent, Alex Begg partners with the King’s Foundation, which runs training programs teaching production lines, supply chains, sustainable design, and hands-on textile skills. Trainees gain work experience at mills like Alex Begg, with some, including Emma Hyslop, securing jobs locally. Efforts aim to close the UK textile industry’s skills gap and keep Scotland’s luxury craft alive.

Apprenticeships are growing, with four current trainees and plans to add more. Entrepreneurs such as Nicole Christie, who started her sustainable brand after training at Dumfries House, highlight opportunities for homegrown talent. The initiative also garners support from King Charles III, reflecting a commitment to heritage crafts and sustainability in British fashion.

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