The road is getting smaller and more remote, on one side a few traditional cottages and the other small boats lie sporadically in the blue waters and there’s a wild, stormy sky above me as I drive towards borrisdale. I keep stopping in awe of the landscape, to take pictures of another stunning landscape after another. I love the fact that Harris has so many landscapes all different and all wild and unique. I’m heading towards Borrisdale to a pop up shop I was told about whilst at Talla Na Mara that morning. Borrisdale is a tiny place and there are no signs to tell me when I am going. I am simply told to head towards the Sound of Harris accommodation. As I arrive into borrisdale, there has to be no other option than the stunning building which sits on the edge of a clifftop close to Renish Point.
The gates are closed, but only to keep the sheep out. I meet with rob English owner of the Sound of Harris and the tweed shop. and go in to have a look at this tiny but beautifully laid out shop.
Carol Graham and Rob English were awarded the 2016 Outer Hebrides Design Award for the development of the new textiles business and pop-up shop. The couple have sourced a new Griffith double width loom and warping mill to enable them to operate as independent Harris Tweed weavers. Until their own weaving comes on stream, products are being offered in single width Tweed from local independent weavers (Toabh Tuath and Luskentyre), with many designs being exclusively commissioned.
Having just moved home, I have been looking for cushions and throws for my new home, so I’m in heaven. I choose a tweed which is a soft beige and take home some cushions with me. I realise that it looks strikingly like sand which might explain the reason I love it. I’m going to order a sea blue bed throw and then my Harris sea bedroom will be complete.
If you are in Harris it’s worth a trip out to borrisdale. If you are confused as to where to go here are some directions;
Travel all the way south of Harris following the main road which goes towards rodel. Turn right at Leverburgh, heading towards the ferry and the anchorage restaurant but before you get there there is a left turn signed towards Borrisdale. Turn left and keep going till you get into Borrisdale and see you the property on your right hand side.
www.borrisdale.co.uk
@Borrisdale (Twitter, Facebook)
01859 520208
Open daily Mon-Sat 10-6pm (please email if you are coming down specially and we’ll make sure we’re available)