Scotland’s first wool-gathering event coming to Whithorn
This is a popular event in Wales.
There are hopes that Scotland's first-ever wool-gathering charity event that is to be held in Whithorn will become one of the top festivals in the UK.
Farmers and artists will be coming to the town on July 26 and 27 this year to promote and showcase how wool can be used in various ways from ewe to finished products.
These include everything from hand shearing, both new and old ways, and wool art and crafts.
Wendy Erskine and her husband David are organising the Eden Wool Gathering festival to highlight the importance the fleece holds and pass down traditions to the new generation.
Wendy says, “I think with more events like this, the better it is, especially in different areas because traditions with wool like in the isles of Scotland are different in the lowlands. We can all learn about the old ways and bring it up to the future.
“There is just so much you can do with wool. You can even make furniture and rope these days so it’s just showing them what can be made.”
She adds that hosting this event in a rural area such as Whithorn is paramount:
“There are so many talented people out there and they don’t get a chance to showcase their work. I want to promote the farmers and work directly with them and their wool.”
This event has proven popular in Wales too which won a tourism award in Mid Wales a few years ago.
The Erskine couple hopes to have the same effect here in Scotland.
As this is a charitable event, all money is to be donated to a local charity: Stranraer Cancer Drop-in Centre.
This will enable the team there to support cancer patients, their families and anyone grieving in the Wigtownshire area.
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