Perfect for keeping out the cold weather, a fleece-lined and embroidered Harris Tweed scarf has won a prestigious award, in the clothing and textiles category at Scotland's Trade Fair (Spring), which was held in January 2010 in Glasgow. Designed by Mary Wood of the company Anna Macneil of Inverness, the scarf received the accolade which formed part of the fair's Best Product Award.

Founded by the mother of present owner Ruth Black, Anna Macneil is now entering its 25th year of business, and continues in the tradition of producing and designing high quality Harris Tweed items.

The Glasgow show also saw the successful launch of a new style of hat from the company - the new design is primarily a man's Harris Tweed hat fully lined with anti-pill polar fleece. Sales were so brisk at the show that even the display 'sample' was sold from the stand!

Owner Ruth Black said, "We are over the moon, both with the award and the positive sales and feedback we've received launching the new hat." She continues, "We are a small company focused on quality and tradition, my mother is proud that her legacy continues and has been fully recognised with this award."

All products are individually designed and therefore unique, and range from purses, bags, belts, scarves to cushions, wall hangings and even Christmas decorations. Furthermore, with over 100 tweeds in stock it is virtually guaranteed that there is a colour-way to suit all tastes - although should any client request tweed not currently held in stock, this is not a problem, it can usually be sourced quickly.

Anna Macneil supplies shops and larger retail outlets in Scotland, as well as being available for (retail) sale through the website or at craft fairs.

The team are now working hard preparing for their next show in Aviemore, at the end of April 2010.

For further information visit the following website: www.annamacneil.co.uk

More information about the team at Anna Macneil:

Barbara Morrison:
Lives on the Isle of Lewis and has been designing and making hats for over 20 years - initially as self-preservation to keep out the cold Hebridean winds!

Ruth Black:
Lives in Inverness. She specialises in Celtic and Pictish inspired designs. She also does ecclesiastical embroidery.

Mary Wood:
Lives in Inverness and works part-time with the business. She is the model in most of the photographs on the website, and has recently completed the City and Guilds Certificate in embroidery and design.

About Harris Tweed:
The law decrees that genuine Harris Tweed must be made from pure virgin wool which has been dyed and spun on the islands and hand woven at the home of the weaver in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. The cloth is then returned to the mill for finishing. Only then can it be given the famous Orb stamp which authenticates it, metre by metre. Each piece of tweed can be traced back to the individual home weaver.
Harris Tweed is about quality and style as well as history and heritage. It is the fabric of choice for many of the world's leading designers as well as their most discerning clients. Information courtesy of: www.harristweedhebrides.com/about-harris-tweed