2017 has started with a whirl of activity and possibilities.

I have just returned to Harris after a week in England visiting some very good friends, but within 36 hours will be off again to Glasgow to visit Scotland’s Trade Fair at the SECC.

Throughout January I am being accompanied by a wee felted mouse – Hamish Tumpshie – who is a member of The Scottish Travel Society, a Facebook group promoting Scotland and giving travel advice. He has caused quite a stir and has a full diary until he leaves at the end of the month to continue his further adventures.

Hamish has made me focus on what a wonderful place I call home. Although the scenery is breathtakingly spectacular, it is the people that make this island so very special. Their kindness, generosity and sense of community is second to none. This is also echoed by a young man – Alex Ellis-Roswell who is fundraising by the RNLI by walking the 9000 miles around the coast of the UK and Ireland and is currently in Harris and Lewis. You can follow his amazing journey here.

And finally, we are very pleased to unveil our new logo. The change in regulations regarding branding within The Harris Tweed Authority has led us to produce a logo that we can embroider onto all our Harris Tweed products. And of course, the hills of Harris are there, as they are for us everyday.