The Harris Tweed Authority

At Harris Tweed Hebrides, legacy and authenticity are central to our being.

The Hebridean islanders are so protective of Harris Tweed that in 1993 they spearheaded a successful act of Parliament prohibiting mills outside of the Outer Hebrides from labelling their fabrics Harris Tweed.

Ever since the role of the Harris Tweed Authority, an independent statutory public body, has been to promote and maintain the authenticity, quality and reputation of the world famous Harris Tweed cloth. The Authority oversees the production and inspection of the cloth - including everything produced at our Shawbost Mill - ensuring all Harris Tweed fabric is produced to the specifications stipulated in that 1993 Act of Parliament:

“Handwoven by the islanders at their homes in the Outer Hebrides, finished in the Outer Hebrides, and made from pure virgin wool dyed and spun in the Outer Hebrides.”

Only when satisfied that the article is genuinely deserving of the historic Orb will they brand the cloth with the certification mark, recognised globally as the guarantee of authentication.

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