Lochcarrron Mill to Shut

[cessna152towser]

I have heard it said elsewhere that the Lochcarron mill in Selkirk is to remain open for the time being though this article makes no reference to production of fabric continuing at Selkirk. The mill in Hawick is said to be closing due to Lochcarron running at a loss, hopefully they will be able to turn things round and keep their Selkirk operation going.

[dfmacliam]

I am sorry to hear Hawick is getting such bad news.. With the economy as such, people being laid off, is a blow not only to the families, but also to the local economy.

[KFCarter]

This sort of thing is truly a hardship for the local community, and not just those who directly lose their jobs. So much bad news like this over that last couple of years...

[piperdbh]

Maybe some of the jobs can be transferred to the Selkirk location.

[auld argonian]

A few weeks back, one of the regulars at The Duke of Perth (Chicago bar with a Scottish theme and a whole lotta whisky) confided in me that one of his friends, who is a Scot by birth, saw the Chicago Rabble at the Duke one evening and thought that we were, I will paraphrase to make it more polite, rather misguided in our wearing the kilt.

I responded that I would have certainly had loved to have discussed the matter with the gentleman in question. One of the things that I would have liked to have told him is that the woolen mills and kiltmakers of his native land must certainly not share his low opinion of the kilt buying diaspora. The current economic crisis demonstrates how dependent we all are on one another and it sounds like Locharron is taking a hit. Hope things improve.


Best

AA

[ronstew]

Seems that the Hawick mill creates knitted fabric, and the Selkirk facility is for woven goods?

[Paul]

It's a real shame that Scotland's losing another mill. I'm planning to buy a batch of tartan from Lochcarron in the next few weeks too.

[McClef]

Bad news for Hawick, how many jobs does it affect?

[GG]

It is indeed difficult times right now but perhaps especially within clothing manufacturing at all levels, having also to compete with produce from low labor cost countries.

Greg

[cessna152towser]

how many jobs does it affect?

Between thirty and forty jobs going.
From what I have been able to glean locally, Lochcarron are pulling out of knitwear production but intend to continue with woven fabrics which will be done from Selkirk.