Historic Scottish knitwear brand to be revitalised

12/10/2016 - One of Scotland’s oldest luxury cashmere brands is to be resurrected in the Scottish Borders town of Hawick.

The main shareholder of 1881 J.&D. McGeorge Ltd. has purchased premises at Langlands Mill in Hawick to start production of the label McGeorge of Scotland knitwear.

Thanks to joint advice and support from Scottish Borders Council and Scottish Development International, the company plans to bring the building back to its original purpose as a textile mill, commencing production and creating approximately 20 highly skilled knitting jobs in the Spring of 2017.

McGeorge of Scotland is a luxury cashmere brand sold worldwide with origins dating back to 1881, which will, as in the past, support brands famous worldwide with its technology and expertise.

A spokesperson for 1881 J.&D. McGeorge Ltd. said: “We are delighted to revive this brand in Scotland, where we will make the best quality cashmere for “McGeorge of Scotland”, to be sold to top-end couture houses around the world.”

Managing Director of Scottish Development International Paul Lewis said: “Today’s announcement is good news for Scotland’s textile sector and reinforces our world-wide reputation as a textile producer with a proud heritage and an enduring place on the world's fashion stage. “

Councillor Stuart Bell, Executive Member for Economic Development at Scottish Borders Council said “Knitwear manufacturing still plays a key role in our local economy and is an important part of our approach to inclusive growth. It is great news for Hawick that this textiles inward investment is being made just now and I hope that the excellent work that SDI do in encouraging companies to invest in Scotland can stimulate further capital investment and jobs in a sector which is such an important part of our heritage.

“This business investment powerfully demonstrates the provenance, skills and high quality product that is available in Hawick, and which makes it an excellent inward investment location.”

Source: Scottish Enterprise