News & Press

Blythswood Square Hotel, Glasgow

News – Harris Tweed Hebrides

22.11.09

Harris Tweed Hebrides, the Shawbost-based company that has opened up new frontiers for the product, has pulled off another major coup by providing the fabrics for Glasgow’s first five-star hotel, Blythswood Square, which is due to open next month.

The specially-commissioned designs will appear in every area of the luxury hotel – which was formerly the Royal Scottish Autombile Club – from check-in to the bars, bedrooms and penthouse.

This is thought to be the first time that Harris Tweed has been used for such a prestigious interiors project since the liner QE2 was commissioned in the early 1960s.

Peter Taylor, chairman of the Townhouse Collection company which owns the property, said: “Blythswood Square is such an iconic building in Glasgow that it was important we acknowledged its history while moving gently into the 21st century.

“The range of Harris Tweed which we have selected is very subtle and sophisticated and we’re delighted with the look that has been achieved”.

Iain Angus Mackenzie, chief executive of Harris Tweed Hebrides, said that Blythswood Square had been “a demanding customer but a delight to work with”. The connection was forged through the Glasgow design company, Graven Images, who are collaborating with Harris Tweed Hebrides on a range of projects.

Mr Mackenzie said: “We have provided around 9000 sq metres of Harris Tweed for Blythswood Square all featherweight in look and feel. It works perfectly with the interior design of the hotel and the colours and textures meet the brief to blend traditional with contemporary Scotland”.

The former RSAC club is intimately linked with the history of Scottish motoring and Peter Taylor said: “In the early days of the motor car, the seats were often upholstered with Harris Tweed and the fabric was worn by hardy motorists of that era. Making the connection with the building which was the former Royal Scottish Automobile Club brings us full circle”.

As well as the Blythswood Square opening, Harris Tweed Hebrides are celebrating their nomination as brand of the year at the Scottish Style Awards which will be confirmed later this month at a gala occasion in Glasgow.

HTH chairman, Brian Wilson, said: “From day one, which is less than two years ago, we have have had a two-tier strategy. The first priority is supplying tweed as a commodity fabric which is the backbone of the business. The second is to develop the brand through design collaborations and this is also bearing great fruit as this stunning project confirms”.