Ri-Aulaidh, Cuaig, Strathcarron, Wester Ross IV54 8XU

(on the Shieldaig to Applecross road) Tel : 01520 755260

We are Lesley and Thomas Kilbride : crofters, weavers, spinners and dyers, living and working on our croft at Ri-Aulaidh where we keep a special flock of grey Gotland sheep that provides the raw wool for our knitwear and weaving.

The wool owes its quality and softness to the terrain the sheep graze: sparse, rocky, heather-covered hills and seashore, where seaweed is part of their diet. Once a year in the summertime we gather them in from the hills, with the help of our dogs Flossy and Sally, and shear them.

We produce for sale a natural grey Arran knitting wool, handknitted jumpers and hats and handwoven scarves, rugs and cloth. We also sell knitwear and weaving produced by other hand-spinners and weavers in the area.

You will find us most fine days beside the road, selling from our Wool Trailer that we travel around. Look out for us at the spectacular viewpoint beyond Cuaig where you can look across at the Cuillins of Skye while you browse..... or visit us at local events; the Lochcarron Games, Applecross Sports, Shieldaig Fête and Torridon Sheepdog Trials, among others. We can also be seen at the Lochcarron Smithy Heritage Museum demonstrating spinning.

If you would like to learn something about the skills involved in the traditional crafts of spinning, weaving or dyeing you may like to attend one of our Tide Threadscourses or taster sessions. Come for an hour or two or a day or two. All equipment provided, beginners and improvers welcome. Instructions are carried out, whenever possible, outside - watching the turn of the tide.

Photographs © Tom & Lesley Kilbride 1998, 1999, 2000

Updated 6.2.99