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Monday 10am - 4pm Tuesday 10am - 4pm Wednesday 10am - 4pm Thursday 10am - 4pm Friday 9am - 1pm

Harris Tweed Authority

Name: Harris Tweed Authority
Address: 2 Cromwell Street, Stornoway, HS12DB, GB
Telephone: +441851702269
Price range: $

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Harris Tweed Authority

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We oversee the production and inspection of the cloth from start to finish. Success led to imitations and legal protection was sought for the genuine article.

The Harris Tweed Authority, known as the Guardians of the Orb, promote and maintain the authenticity, standard and reputation of the world famous Harris Tweed® cloth. We act as custodians of the world famous Orb trademark which appears on every length of tweed that has been stamped as genuinely handwoven in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. Our history:

In the mid-19th century, the Isle of Harris was owned by the Earl of Dunmore and his wife, Lady Dunmore, who first saw the potential for selling this fabric, produced by the tenants on their looms, to her acquaintances in London. As its reputation grew rapidly, and Harris Tweed® cloth was embraced by royalty, the industry had to be adapted to commercial production – while still maintaining the crucial requirement that it must be handwoven at the home of the weaver. The Harris Tweed Association was formed in 1909 and the adoption, a year later, of the world-famous Orb trade mark, which authenticates genuine Harris Tweed. This provided common law protection as a certification trademark and this provided the basis for The Act of Parliament which was finally passed in 1993.

28/10/2026

This or That?

Which of these check patterns do you prefer - the light, spring colours or the darker winter shades?

💚💜

26/10/2026

Blending in...

Man-made designs and natural colours, effortlessly sitting together.

From the land comes the cloth.

Lighthouse photo by Janet Miles Photography
Harris Tweed® fabrics by Harris Tweed Hebrides

19/10/2026

A path to happiness...

If you've visited the Outer Hebrides, do you have a favourite beach or view?

This delightful pattern from Harris Tweed by Kenneth Mackenzie Ltd showcases many of our classic coastal tones.

16/10/2026

Something a little different today, as the Harris Tweed Authority's Office Manager, Kristina, appeared on the Scotland’s Women podcast, to discuss all things Harris Tweed!

Kirsten, the podcast host, had visited the Harris Tweed® Story Room in the Stornoway Town Hall over summer - and even had a go on our double-width loom - before finding out more about our industry and the strong core of women who have fostered and protected it both in the past and at present.

Kristina spoke at length about her journey into the industry, and what it means to her and so many others on our islands.

To listen to the full interview, and browse the many other interesting guests from across the country who have appeared on the recently-commended show, visit https://scotlandswomen.com/episodes or listen via Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/6RT7fvwhQ5gY7ofv5fLHBS), Apple Music (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/scotlands-women/id1731049605) or wherever you get your podcasts.

Thank you to Kirsten for taking the time to chat about the Clò Mòr!

12/10/2026

Subtle, shifting tones are perfectly caught in the highlights and shadows of this elegant Harris Tweed Hebrides cloth, as it rises in and falls around the Orb...

Harris Tweed® - Made by the hand, woven by the heart.

📸 Sheep | Sandshoes Studio

08/10/2026

Following a successful 2026 season, the Harris Tweed Authority Story Room is now closed until next year!

A massive thank you goes to Saorsa and Rachel from the rest of the staff and the HTA board - amazing tour guides who did such a great job the past six months.

Thank you to our many visitors who popped in this summer also, to share the provenance, process and production of the ‘Chlò Mhòir’.

All your donations and booking fees continue to support the maintenance of The Story Room and activities of the Harris Tweed Authority Educational Trust and we hope to see visitors return in 2027.

Anyone coming to Lewis and Harris before we re-open can look at our trail map - https://www.harristweed.org/trail/ - for information showing where they can independently arrange to visit other points of interest in the Harris Tweed® industry.

05/10/2026

Golden, windswept dunes are dotted along the island coastlines - no two the same, but all fill us with inspiration and joy...

Harris Tweed® - Made by the hand, woven by the heart.

📸 Beach | Janet Miles Photography
🧶 Cloth | Harris Tweed by Kenneth Mackenzie Ltd

Address

2 Cromwell Street
Stornoway
HS12DB

Opening Hours

Monday	10am - 4pm
Tuesday	10am - 4pm
Wednesday	10am - 4pm
Thursday	10am - 4pm
Friday	9am - 1pm

Telephone

+441851702269

Website

http://www.harristweed.org/, https://acairbooks.com/product/books/the-islanders-and-the-orb-2/, https://shop.harristweed

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