Yes, people travel from across the globe to Islay for its whisky and to discover how its made. Hopefully they also visit its incredible 19th century Islay woollen mill, another fascinating hive of industry from the past; it shouldn’t be missed!

The tiny Islay Woollen Mill is tucked away down a twisting lane near Bridgend, towards the north of the island. Established in 1883, it is still in the original stone building next to the rushing water of a gurgling stream.

There is nothing ostentatious or grand about its entrance.

The welcome is simple but sincere.

Inside everything is old and truthfully some what dilapidated.

Dusty and worn, like its been there a long time.

The Islay Woollen Mill is a special place, where traditional tools and methods are still being used,

weaving brightly coloured yarns

to create bales of carefully woven cloth, treasured and sought after far away in Saville Row.

It’s a place where it truly feels time has stood still. Where amidst the yarn, the woven fabrics,

the well used tools and the clanking sounds of chattering machinery one is held spellbound.

Typewriters long abandoned for computers (the Mill is online!)

but long ago established talents and values are still adhered to.
A visit to the Islay Woollen is somewhat of a time warp.
You leave feeling as if you have visited the past and its been a real privilege to do so.

Oh yes and in case you’re wondering, of course we bought some plaid, it was simply too irresistible!
Check out the Islay Woollen Mill website, you’ll be tempted too!

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