This comes in the same week as Kenneth Mackenzie Mill in Stornoway announced 36 redundancies.

Harris Tweed Textiles, now working double shifts to meet demand and having already increased their workforce to 22 in the last three years, are set to recruit a further six to eight workers.

The increase in demand can in part be attributed to their recent sponsorship of the FIT fashion show in New York, where designers were asked to re-invent Harris Tweed.

Traditionally used to create suits, jackets and coats for men and women, the fabric is now being used in new and exciting ways for high fashion and soft furnishings.

Alan Bain, a major investor and Director of HTT Manufacturing Limited, said, from New York:

"We anticipated problems for the weaving community following the acquisition by Mr. Haggas of the two other mills on the island- our strategy was to enhance the production capabilities of our mill to meet the anticipated demand for Harris Tweed coming from traditional sources as well as the exciting new markets we identified."

The typical view of Harris Tweed as purely a fashion fabric is slowly changing. While the iconic Sports jacket is synonymous with the brand, only now is the potential being fully explored in other areas.

Harris Tweed Textiles have been contacted by a number of hotels who would like to use for upholstery and soft furnishings. Characteristics such as being moisture resistant and hard wearing making it ideal for chairs, couches and even curtains.

Steve Mackay, Manager of the Carloway Mill comments:

"We are seeing a very exciting expansion in the Harris Tweed industry and a rejuvenation of the brand.

"Here at Harris Tweed Textiles we see the potential for growth in the industry and look with confidence to the future of the brand and we are excited at the prospect of employing additional workers."