FIRST Minister Humza Yousaf visited ReTweed, an award-winning social enterprise based in Eyemouth last week,
And because the good folk of ReTweed and International Tartans had noticed that he likes a tartan tie to himself, in the style of Alexander McQueen, they set about handcrafting a tie in the Pakistan Tartan inscribing messages inside the lining that included #socialjustice #equality and #keepthepromise
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The ReTweed Founder, Hazel Smith invited the First Minister to visit Berwickshire and find out more about the innovative work being delivered by social enterprises on the ground – describing the region as an ‘often forgotten outpost of Scotland.’
Within two weeks of the invitation, he arrived in Eyemouth and spent time with the ReTweed and International Tartans Staff, Students and Volunteers.
ReTweed and International Tartans’ Tutors Jill Harrison and Jodie Sanderson gave the First Minister an introductory lesson on a sewing machine which he took to like a duck to water.
Students and volunteers shared their experiences of the learning, training and employment opportunities with ReTweed and International Tartans, whilst also asking Mr Yousaf about his commitment to Social Enterprise as a responsible business model.
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Since ReTweed took on the legacy of International Tartans last year, they have provided tartan and tartan products to Scottish Government for cultural engagements as well as providing South African and Malawian Tartan for King Charles and Princess Royal respectively over the last year.
International Tartans is part of ReTweed, who have delivered heritage, craft and thrift skills to hundreds of women, young people and visitors to the area since its inception in 2015.
International Tartans has 125+ registered national, district, commemorative and fashion tartans.
Most of these tartans were designed by David McGill (Retired Architect & Tartan Designer).
In 2022, David bequeathed all rights and licences for his tartans to ReTweed as their social good ethics reflected his own philanthropic work.
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International Tartans is using Scotland’s Icon to promote an outward looking and inclusive Scotland; interculturalism and multiculturism at its best.
The 70 Nation State Tartans were designed specifically to embrace and celebrate diversity and the shared history and heritage that Scotland has with so many countries around the world.
Women from across the Borders are now taking part in advanced tailoring training; designing and manufacturing a range of products in 125+ tartans.
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