An “almost forgotten” way of life in Tayside is to be revived by a community group after the award of a five-figure heritage boost.
Weaving was once an inextricable part of life in Forfar, much as it was in the fabric of Dundee and Kirriemuir society.
Now the trade is to be given a new lease of life with £23,500 from the Heritage Lottery Fund Young Roots Programme to the Pitstop in Forfar.
Project worker Dawn Mullady said the Weaving Our Way Through History project is a one-year partnership between the Pitstop and Angus Archives and will enable people to re-engage with their cultural history.
The heritage and media group recently found little documentary evidence of Forfar’s weavers and their history.
The project will start in September and offer a range of activities such as visits to weaving museums, photography and drama. The findings will be interpreted through a public play reenacting the lifestyle of a Forfar weaver.
Financial support from the Nine Incorporated Trades of Dundee has allowed the group to buy weaving looms, and the group is offering the community the opportunity to have a go at weaving.
Ms Mullady said: “We have a particular interest in the local community to get involved, if there is any ex-weaver who have an interest in this project we would encourage them to come along and share their knowledge and skills. Forfar has a strong heritage and we believe this should be explored, interpreted and celebrated.”
Heritage Lottery Fund chief Colin McLean said the project has “sparked a real interest from the young people in exploring their heritage”.
“We are delighted to support such an innovative project, he added.
Project committee chairman Stuart Mackie said it is important to retain skills that are gradually being lost over the passage of time.
He said: “It is fantastic that we have secured these funds to explore an almost forgotten trade of Forfar.
“It is important not only to retain the knowledge from a historical perspective but to retain the traditional skills so future generations can benefit from them.”
The group are interested to know the name of the last handloom weaver in Forfar, and any information on the subject can be forwarded to the email address below.