Harris Tweed Economic Impact Assessment
13th May
In September 2025, the Harris Tweed Authority (HTA), Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (CnES) commissioned BiGGAR Economics to assess the economic impact of the Harris Tweed® industry and to provide insight on its wider social contribution.
The previous Economic Impact Assessment was conducted in 2009, during a period of considerable uncertainty for the industry. The current assessment, covering 2024-25, demonstrates that the sector has emerged from these challenges, generating £16.8 million in Gross Value Added (GVA) across Scotland and supported 520 jobs. Crucially, most of this impact has been retained locally. The sector contributed £11.0 million GVA and supported 370 jobs in the Outer Hebrides, with more than half of this economic activity generated by the mills. The Harris Tweed® mills in the Outer Hebrides play a vital role in sustaining the local economy, supporting approximately 328 jobs across the industry. This includes both mill employees and self-employed weavers, whose expertise and craftmanship remain at the heart of the Harris Tweed® tradition.
For many years, weaving has been an important anchor for the cultural identity of islanders, and in addition to mill workers, independent weavers and artisan producers have also helped to sustain some of the most rural communities in Scotland.
The value of Harris Tweed® extends far beyond the balance sheet. The fabric is a tangible expression of ‘dualchas’, a Gaelic concept representing the deep connection between people, culture, language and the land.
Responses collected by the online survey illustrate that for many, working with Harris Tweed® is a source of pride and an opportunity to continue the traditional craft and culture of the Outer Hebrides.
Norman L. MacDonald, Chairman of the Harris Tweed Authority said: “The findings of this latest assessment highlight not only the strong economic contribution of the Harris Tweed® sector, but also its enduring importance to the cultural fabric of the Outer Hebrides. Supporting hundreds of jobs and generating significant local value, the industry continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience and renewal.”
Kathleen Stewart, HIE Area team leader for Innse Gall, said: “This report highlights the importance of the Harris Tweed® sector to the Outer Hebrides economy. With most of its £16.8m GVA impact retained locally, the sector supports hundreds of jobs across the islands, with the mills playing a central role alongside a highly skilled network of self employed weavers. Beyond its economic value, Harris Tweed remains a vital part of island identity, sustaining livelihoods and cultural tradition in some of our most rural communities.”
Cllr. Donald Crichton, Chair of Sustainable Development Committee said: “As the BiGGAR Economics report demonstrates, the Harris Tweed® industry is a key contributor to the economy and identity of the Outer Hebrides. It is helpful to understand what must be done to secure the future of this important industry and we look forward to working with the HTA in the future.”