New Tweed was created for the area of ​​Scotland that was once known for whiskey production Achi-News

The trust is now spearheading a series of projects and investments that will breathe new life into the centuries-old Glen, including a community tweed project which coincides with an ambitious bid to later open Scotland’s newest whiskey distillery this year.

Pictured: A group of eight women from the Cabrach community were involved in creating the tweed (Image: supplied)

The group of eight women from the Cabrach community created the new tweed using a palette and pattern which is said to ‘bring the natural beauty of the area to life’.

Sam Dowdall, community and development manager at The Cabrach Trust, said: “Being part of
this project, and working alongside our community to create this lovely tweed, has been
honor

“So with the support of many local businesses, what the group has not created
reflects the extraordinary beauty of the Cabrach landscape but creates a very special feature
a product that will play an important role as part of the Trust’s regeneration strategy.”

READ MORE: ‘This is a historic turning point’ – An election that changed the face of Scottish politics

The group were assisted in creating the tweed by a trio of textile specialists from Moray, Johnstons from Elgin, micro-mill from Buckie Woven In The Bone and Macnaughton’s at Keith’s Isla Bank Mills.

George McNeil, managing director (retail) of Johnstons of Elgin said: “Johnstons of Elgin was
proud to play a small part in supporting the Cabrach Trust community project to create this
the very first Cabrach Tweed.

“The work done by the community group was beautiful, drawing rich inspiration from the famous Cabrach landscape.

“Our support focused on developing early ideas into concept designs and it was a pleasure to welcome the group in Elgin on a tour of Newmill.

“The positive change that is happening in the Cabrach is something that all of Moray should be
proud of him.”

Pictured: The tweed was inspired by the ‘rugged beauty’ of the Cabrach (Image: Supplied)

Sam Goates of Woven In The Bone added: “My artisan weaving mill is named after a poem by Donald S Murray which talks about the colors of the landscape and how they can be captured in cloth which becomes evocative of that place.

“The Cabrach Tweed project is a perfect example of how Scotland’s heritage of cloth design can create cloth to connect with.

“It’s been a wonderful project to be a part of to help the Cabrach community bring their cloth to him
life.”

Alongside the support and expertise of these textile experts from Moray, the Cabrach Tweed project was supported by the Social Enterprise Academy, with funding provided by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Pictured: A trio of textile experts from Moray helped develop the cloth (Image: Supplied)

It is said to be the subject of a ‘renaissance’, this is not the first time the Cabrach area has made headlines in recent months.

Having previously re-launched the Cabrach Picnic and Games after an 87-year hiatus, last year the trust started the hunt for a lost silver Rose Bowl traditionally awarded to the best performing athlete at the event.

After a public plea, Adrian Taylor in Devon, grandson of the last winner of the Rose Bowl, returned the silverware to Moray in February, 2024 so that it could be awarded once again at the Picnic and Games.

READ MORE: Century-old Highland Games silverware revealed in Devon after national appeal

Pictured: Cabrach Rose Bowl (Photo: Cabrach Trust)

At the site of the Games, Inverharroch Farm, The Cabrach Trust’s development of the Cabrach Distillery and Heritage Center is well underway.

This transformational project is designed to breathe new life into the local area famous for its role in the birth of malt whiskey thanks to the illegal distilling and smuggling of Scotland’s national drink during the 1700s and 1800s.

At the height of production it is believed that around 100 pot lanes were in operation in the area, which had around 1,000 inhabitants at the time.

Production at the distillery is due to start later this year and will herald the return of whiskey making in the Cabrach for the first time in 170 years, telling the story of the historic area in the process.

READ MORE: Birthplace of malt whiskey celebrated as community maps three centuries of history

Cabrach Trust also has plans to develop the surrounding site as a rural, community learning area
skills, and a heritage centre.

Last year, more than 2000 people visited the new all-ability Cabrach Discovery Trail, which combines information about the natural landscape, habitats and wildlife of the Cabrach, as well as opportunities to engage with nature through activities including bird watching in habit – make nature hide on the banks of the River Deveron and dip in pools in two new nature pools.