Shetland Times Column 4 October 2024
This week, the 15th Shetland Wool Week celebrates and welcomes knitters from around the globe. A packed programme from the organisers demonstrates the demand to enjoy and learn about all things wool. I doubt if those first involved in wool week 15 years ago ever imagined just how successful it would become.
Since those early beginnings, our young people no longer have access to knitting lessons in school and it’s disappointing that experience and exposure to wool culture and creative craft is now gone. Progress has been made by Peerie Makkers, encouraging young people who are interested in knitting, but it cannot completely fill the space regular lessons in primary school occupied. There were voices warning against the ending of lessons during council budget cut proposals and that once lost it will be difficult, perhaps impossible to revive.
The contemporary textile degree course has also been lost. The cited lack of interested students did not recognise the failure to market the course. There is now no formal education and training route in Shetland for that textile creativity to thrive for those who want to make it their career and livelihood. It beggars belief that Shetland is failing to encourage young people into one of our traditional sectors that is so envied around the world, as the visitors to Shetland Wool Week remind us.
The skills shortage in the knitwear sector is evident, compounded with the loss of the Textile Facilitation Unit (TFU) to small producers since UHI Shetland took over Shetland College. The equipment now stands idle.
One designer is already winding down her business because of the loss of the TFU. Others share their concern about what is happening.
It is difficult not to have the impression that there may be an element of unconscious bias towards knitwear and textiles as those involved in it are predominantly women.
What I hear from the knitwear sector, including from the factories in Sandness and Sandwick, is that the lack of trained linkers is affecting business. With orders to fulfil from around the globe, production is being stifled.
After discussions with some in the sector earlier in the year there has been some good news. A small local grassroots textile network, including designers, educators and technical experts has been created and will support training and creative practice. For the longer term future, serious thought must be given to policy that encompasses all aspects of Shetland knitwear production from home knitters to factory production, designers and finishers, education and training, and the massive contribution Shetland Wool Week makes to the ongoing interest.
If the increasing number of energy developers around Shetland are serious about leaving a lasting legacy, they should engage with the sector and support it through this critical stage. Development agencies and those in education should look seriously and creatively at the opportunities for young people in this traditional and iconic sector. Perhaps then our heritage, tradition and culture will not be further diminished.