Over 100 people attended the meeting on Monday night facilitated by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar in the Caberfeidh Hotel to discuss weavers' representation on the Harris Tweed Industry Liaison Group as well as the formation of a new Weaver's Association.

The meeting was chaired by Vice Convener Angus Campbell, who said: "Despite the current downturn in production resulting in a lack of work for the weavers, there was overwhelming support for the industry and in particular for the product itself.

"The purpose of the meeting was to get the views of the weavers for setting up a Weaver's Association. However, it was really good to see so many weavers present and clearly there are very strong views on how the industry is run."

He further added: "The weavers are a crucial part of the future development of the industry and their agreement to set up an association and to be part of the Industry Liaison Group is most welcome."

The meeting agreed to elect a small steering group of seven people to consider the objectives of the association and develop a constitution.

Two of those elected attended the Industry Liaison Group meeting held on Tuesday of this week which had representatives from the three mills, the HTA, HIE and UHI. The meeting was also attended by Kirsty Scott from the national textiles team at Scottish Enterprise.

Joe MacPhee, Development Manager at the Comhairle, commented: "She gave an overview of the current situation in terms of Scottish textiles and the further opportunities for the Harris Tweed industry to be participating in the national and international events. She felt that innovations in textiles should be looked at."

A wide range of matters were discussed at the meeting from workforce development, training and accreditation and promotion and marketing.

Principal of Lews Castle College, David Green gave a presentation in terms of skill development and training while Iain Stewart of the Education Department gave a talk about a project involving going folk.

The designer of the Griffiths double width loom, John Griffith also gave a presentation and pointed out the company's commitment to the industry and their continuation of supplying parts and spares.

Said Mr MacPhee: "It was agreed, in collaboration with the Liaison Group, to look at options for design improvements in the existing double width loom and the potential for a new design."

The Liaison Group also discussed the potential of developing a formal training course for weavers and millworkers, which would include accreditation, similar to the course already run by Lews Castle College.

A promotional plan for the Harris Tweed industry is also to be developed, he added.

Mr MacPhee concluded: "It was unfortunate that the news of the lay-off at Mackenzie's came on the day of the Liaison Group meeting.

"However, it was also reported that the mill is committed to continue production in Stornoway and to further investment in new equipment."