German Harris Tweed order back on

The order will ensure work at the mill until next March

Mill workers at MacKenzie's Harris Tweed Mill in Stornoway have been told that a £1m order which was refused last week, was now back on.

The order will guarantee work for weavers until next March.

This contradicts the stated policy of new mill owner Brian Haggas who initially refused the order and wants to reduce the number of tweed patterns.

Bawi, which is based in Northern Germany, has placed an order for 68,580 metres (75,000 yards) of cloth.

The double-width tweed is of a lighter weight and will have more than 20 different patterns.

Under Mr Haggas' plans, these patterns will no longer be available after the end of this year.

It was understood that the German company insisted they had a contract with the mill, which they strongly felt was enforceable.