The staff at the knitwear factory at Crossapol in the early 1970s

Photograph of the staff at the knitwear factory at Crossapol in the early 1970s.

Courtesy of Mr Robert Beck

Hebridean Knitwear Ltd was first attracted to Tiree through the initiative of the local vet Robert Beck and in 1969 opened a knitwear factory in the old United Free Church at Kirkapol until a purpose-built factory was completed at Crossapol.

Of the seven young women in the photograph, Hughina MacCallum, Betty Duff, Ann Burns, Ann Munn, Jean MacKay, Flora Brown and June Weston, the six in white overalls were sent to Coatbridge for six months’ training. On their return, they trained new operatives.

During the recession of the early 1980s, Hebridean Knitwear went into liquidation. The factory was briefly taken over by a Lanarkshire concern but closed for good in 1984. The building now houses the council offices and the Tiree branch of Argyll College.

Black and white photograph of the workers at the knitwear factory.

The workers at the knitwear factory in Crossapol in the early 1970s. L-R: Hughina MacCallum; Betty Duff (boarded out with the MacKays, Balephuil); Ann Burns (boarded out with the MacLeans, Balinoe); Ann Munn, Heanish; Jean MacKay, Balemartine; Flora Brown, Hillside, Balevullin , June Weston, Bungalow, Heylipol. (Original in Filing Cabinet 2 drawer 1)