Skilfully blended and coloured with vibrant, natural dyes, traditional cashmere design really does embody the very essence of its name sake - Kashmir- an ancient and evocative area now forming the connecting point of three major nations - Pakistan, India and China. Culturally unique and diverse, the poetic literature, colourful clothes, folk music, dance and highly spiced cuisine all reflect the richness of the region.

Geographically unusual, the main area of Kashmir is reputed to have originally been a lake which was, at some time in its history, drained of water.

For centuries, Kashmir’s relaxed, easy pace of life and tolerant mix of a number of religious beliefs attracted numerous talented craftsmen and artisans. Many began to specialise in the use of wool from the highly prized breed of local cashmere goats - and the colourful designs that developed displayed the lyrical and creative nature of the region.

Originally, Kashmir was the only producer of cashmere wool and successfully exported the highly prized commodity world wide. In recent years, cashmere goats have become more common outside the region and Scotland is now one of the most well known producers of cashmere.

Ideally suited to the highlands of Scotland, the cashmere goats produce a soft warm undercoat to protect them during the winter. This fine wool is combed out in the spring and expertly processed to create delightful Scottish cashmere designs in both traditional and contemporary modes.

Reflecting the natural mix of earth colours and the brightness of the natural landscape, Scottish cashmere evokes the glorious mix of heathers, lakes, rocky coastlines and dramatic skies of Scotland.