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Firm denies 'de-Scottishify' move | Firm denies 'de-Scottishify' move |
(about 1 hour later) | |
The boss of a Harris Tweed manufacturer denied the firm was "de-Scottishifying" amid fears of a US backlash over the release of Lockerbie bomber. | The boss of a Harris Tweed manufacturer denied the firm was "de-Scottishifying" amid fears of a US backlash over the release of Lockerbie bomber. |
There was outrage in the US when the Scottish Government allowed Abdelbaset al-Megrahi to return to Libya. | There was outrage in the US when the Scottish Government allowed Abdelbaset al-Megrahi to return to Libya. |
Harris Tweed Hebrides' creative director Mark Hogarth was quoted in newspapers saying the company was no longer promoting itself as Scottish. | Harris Tweed Hebrides' creative director Mark Hogarth was quoted in newspapers saying the company was no longer promoting itself as Scottish. |
But chairman Brian Wilson said Mr Hogarth had been "misrepresented". | But chairman Brian Wilson said Mr Hogarth had been "misrepresented". |
The former Labour government minister said the Outer Hebrides-based company was not dropping Scotland from its marketing but was emphasising, as it always had done, its islands' roots. | The former Labour government minister said the Outer Hebrides-based company was not dropping Scotland from its marketing but was emphasising, as it always had done, its islands' roots. |
Mr Wilson said the firm had worries about the US market's response to the release of Megrahi. | Mr Wilson said the firm had worries about the US market's response to the release of Megrahi. |
To talk about de-Scottishifying or dropping Scotland is complete and utter nonsense Brian WilsonHarris Tweed Hebrides chairman | To talk about de-Scottishifying or dropping Scotland is complete and utter nonsense Brian WilsonHarris Tweed Hebrides chairman |
However, he said Harris Tweed Hebrides had not expressed its concerns as strongly as other businesses in Scotland. | However, he said Harris Tweed Hebrides had not expressed its concerns as strongly as other businesses in Scotland. |
Model and fashion consultant Mr Hogarth had been quoted as saying that everyone the company had spoken to in the US felt that a serious mistake was made in releasing Megrahi, who is terminally ill. | |
He reportedly said: "We have been getting a lot of feedback and we have had to de-Scottishify the image of the brand. If he had not been released we would not have altered anything." | He reportedly said: "We have been getting a lot of feedback and we have had to de-Scottishify the image of the brand. If he had not been released we would not have altered anything." |
Speaking to BBC Scotland, Mr Wilson said: "It is completely wrong to say that Harris Tweed is dropping Scotland. | Speaking to BBC Scotland, Mr Wilson said: "It is completely wrong to say that Harris Tweed is dropping Scotland. |
"I think all that was said was that in the current climate we will emphasise the Hebrides, but Harris Tweed has always emphasised the Hebrides. | "I think all that was said was that in the current climate we will emphasise the Hebrides, but Harris Tweed has always emphasised the Hebrides. |
"I think this has been totally misrepresented and blown out of all proportion." | "I think this has been totally misrepresented and blown out of all proportion." |
He added: "To talk about de-Scottishifying or dropping Scotland is complete and utter nonsense and is really quite dangerous nonsense." | He added: "To talk about de-Scottishifying or dropping Scotland is complete and utter nonsense and is really quite dangerous nonsense." |
'Scottish product' | |
Chief executive Ian Angus Mackenzie said Mr Hogarth worked part-time for the company on the fashion side of the business and was good at what he did, but was not a spokesman for the firm. | |
He said Harris Tweed Hebrides was a proud Scottish company. | |
Mr Mackenzie added: "We will continue to sell Harris Tweed all over the world as a Scottish product." | |
Harris Tweed is specially handwoven wool by communities in Scotland's Western Isles. | Harris Tweed is specially handwoven wool by communities in Scotland's Western Isles. |
Megrahi, the only man convicted over the 1988 bombing of Pan Am flight 103 over the Scottish town of Lockerbie, was released from prison in August on compassionate grounds. | Megrahi, the only man convicted over the 1988 bombing of Pan Am flight 103 over the Scottish town of Lockerbie, was released from prison in August on compassionate grounds. |
A large number of the 270 people killed in the bombing were American. | A large number of the 270 people killed in the bombing were American. |