Black and white photogrpah of Mrs MacDonald, Kilkenneth.
Mrs Marion MacDonald (nee MacKinnon), Kilkenneth with her spinning wheel. She was the last professional weaver in Tiree and died around 1935 aged 93 years old.
She was married 3rd February 1857
Object Details
Other Number: N22
The last professional weaver on Tiree
Mrs MacDonald of Kilkenneth is pictured with her spinning wheel around 1915 - 1925. At the time, a woollen garment worn on Tiree could have been made from cloth woven on Tiree using wool spun on Tiree from sheep raised on Tiree.
I am carrying out some research into the life and values of George Campbell, 8th Duke of Argyll. He attempted to expand the range of work available for Tiree islanders. There is a note of yarn being sent to Dunoon to made into hosiery. Campbell of Dunloskin, Dunoon employed 100 local women to carry out this weaving. There are copies of business plans being submitted to the Duke to bring in experienced hosiery weavers to train the Tiree women. The Duke appeared to have declined the proposed fees to set up such a business.