A fashion range from the south of Scotland has been given a starring role on a prime time TV show.
The story of Merrick Scottish Blackface Knitwear featured in a dedicated slot on BBC’s The One Show on Friday evening.
And presenter Clara Amfo praised the clothing’s “truly gorgeous craftmanship”, with the range also being praised by Dragon’s Den star Sara Davies.
The sustainable luxury fashion range was developed by the team from the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere. It’s believed to be the first global fashion brand to use Scottish Blackface wool, with all profits from the social enterprise going into grassroots climate and sustainable development within the biosphere.
It is hoped its work will help to drive sustainable farming, protect local rural heritage skills, and address the global climate crisis.
Designer Jo Storie, who featured in the piece, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to see that the world is beginning to take notice of how significant Merrick Scottish Blackface Knitwear is. It a great privilege to have been involved in the realisation of such a groundbreaking project, which highlights how fashion can become a force for good – supporting the growth of the circular economy and helping to address the global climate crisis.
“Looking at the Merrick Scottish Blackface Knitwear clothing range it is almost unbelievable to think that the potential of Scottish Blackface yarn has not been recognised until now. We are proud to have a collection able to compete with the best known luxury knitwear brands. Through extensive testing and product development we have proved that Scottish Blackface wool is renewable, strong and durable, so stitches and structures are clean and well defined, which has opened a lot of design possibilities. The wool is also thermoregulating, insulating and naturally biodegradable, so it’s an obvious choice for sustainable clothing and outerwear.”
The peice, which is still available on the BBC iPlayer, told the story of the history and heritage of Scottish Blackface wool, and the significance of the innovative new social enterprise.
Presenter Roman Kemp introduced the film as something “Dragon business owner Sara here is going to absolutely love. It’s about a team of knitters who have been hard working to bring a sustainable material back into fashion”.
After the piece, presenter Clara Amfo remarked on the brand’s “truly gorgeous craftmanship”.
And Sara said: “It’s lovely to see the old form of wool come back in. I think nowadays, more than ever, people appreciate the quality. They don’t mind paying more for real wool as opposed to synthetic wool, because they know it’s going to last a lifetime, it’s better for the environment, it’s circular economy. I’m in.”
Other interviews in the feature included project lead at the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Partnership Marie McNulty, Scottish Blackface sheep farmers Richard and Rachel Colley in Thornhill, knitters at A’ The Airts Community Centre in Sanquhar and visitors at the Stewartry Agricultural Show.
Richard, who is also a council member of the Scottish Blackface Sheep Breeders’ Association, said: “Merrick Scottish Blackface Knitwear, which is producing high end garments entirely and exclusively from the very best of locally sourced Blackface wool, offers a fantastic opportunity for eco-conscious and stylish consumers.
“Scottish Blackface wool is an extremely sustainable, natural and biodegradable product with outstanding environmental credentials, produced in the most natural environment in the world.”
Biosphere director, Ed Forrest, added: “Merrick knitwear originated as a conversation between biosphere officers, trustees, and the farmers we support through our programme of land use and biodiversity initiatives. We are delighted that, in a relatively short time, a project exploring new approaches to sustainability in traditional industries has grown into a social enterprise that is attracting interest across the UK and overseas.
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“Innovation like this is needed now more than ever; the fashion industry releases around 1.2 billion tonnes of carbon emissions every year, with textile production contributing more to climate change than international aviation and shipping combined. UNESCO Biospheres all around the world are in the vanguard of action on these very urgent issues through local initiatives like Merrick, which encompasses a collaborative ethos and a celebration of rural heritage. As well as selling beautiful clothes that last a lifetime our vision is to increase the profitability of Blackface wool, so that local producers see better returns and ultimately inspire wider engagement with farming and fashion as part of southern Scotland’s sustainable economy.
“We look forward to continuing this important work and evolving the Merrick Scottish Blackface Knitwear brand through 2025 and beyond.”