When the sheepskins from the local abattoir simply ended up in the bin, the Hartwell couple didn’t want to see it happen again. Instead, they tanned and sold them – Skyeskyns was born. Today, visitors learn there how leather is processed.
The year 1983 was a hard time on the Waternish peninsula on the Isle of Skye. Small farmers, known as crofters, were advised to find new ways to build up an income. The Hartwells were such crofters – and they had an idea. The nearby abattoir was throwing the skins of slaughtered sheep into landfill. Leather and hide, just wasted. Surely something could be made from that. Something of quality. The idea for Skyeskyns was born.
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The tanning of animal skin is one of the oldest crafts in existence. But when the Hartwells started, they knew next to nothing about the process. They had to learn it from scratch. In Northampton they had themselves instructed in the craft.
When they returned, their idea and their work soon bore fruit. The sheepskins were suitable for use as smart rugs and throws, or could be made into cosy slippers and smart winter coats. The fact that they were so soft and at the same time easy to care for made the high-quality products very popular.
What began as part of a small farm has developed into a business with 15 employees, which is now housed in a two-storey building: the workshop below, the sales department above.
Especially on a rainy day on the Isle of Skye – and they are supposed to happen there – it is worth visiting the workshop with a guided tour, demonstration and explanation of the process using the machines and tools.
The tour ends, of course, on the sales floor. And it is not unusual for a sheepskin to end up with the visitor.
Knowledge: Environment and Skins
Skyeskyns proudly touts its commitment to having as little impact on the environment as possible – such as recycling the tanning materials used.
The company also makes a point of ensuring that the sheep are not slaughtered just for the skins, but that a complete recycling process takes place. To this end, Skyeskyns is now supplied from all over the UK, but also supports a project that aims to build an abattoir near Portree.
Incidentally, the different coat colours are not artificially produced, but achieved through different breeds of sheep and crossbreeds. Accordingly, the end products are also given names such as Hebridean Brown, Cappuccino or Yeti.
Tip: Guided tour outside the high season
Skyeskyns is supporting an initiative to make the Waternish area attractive all year round. Indeed, in many parts of Scotland, the pavements fold up and the attractions close just in time for November. Skyeskyns therefore offers guided tours throughout the year.
What to expect during the tour, this video already shows in parts.
Personal note: Wedding gift from Skyeskyns
When we visited the farm at the time, we particularly liked one piece. A large rug that was made up of different colored fur squares. But the good piece cost around 900 pounds, or over 1,000 euros. Even if we had had the money, how could we have taken the piece with us on the plane?
We fell in love with this goodie. So what was more natural than to name it to our relatives and as a wedding gift. Since we were getting married on the Isle of Skye anyway, it was a good fit.
Both went well: our wedding took place in 2014 (pictures from the Skye wedding) and a rug made especially for us was shipped and is now at our house. What can I say: this thing is a dream!
Directions:
With satnav: Enter postcode “IV55 8GD”, gets you very close to the tannery.
Without sat nav: From Sligachan and Portree take the A87 to Dunvegan and Uig. Turn left at the junction onto the A850 to Dunvegan. After some time there is a sign for Bhaternais/Waternish – turn right here onto the B886. Follow the road through Lochbay. At the T-junction turn right for Hallin. The Skyeskyns building is already visible here and you can park directly in front of it.
