Moray MP Douglas Ross is urging local designers to get involved with the Keith Kilt School who are running a competition to showcase the range of talent on offer in the local area and further afield.
Commenting after visiting the Keith Kilt School recenly and meeting with Linda Gorn along with kilt makers and crafters, Douglas said: “I’ve visited the kilt school before and I am always impressed by the work being done there and it’s obvious how enthusiastic Linda is about promoting Moray to the rest of Scotland and further afield. Her passion and determination is infectious.
“Linda has asked me to sit on the panel of judges who will be looking at the designs which have been shortlisted in this Spirit of Scotland themed event.
“I’m not sure how I’ll fare with my limited knowledge of textiles, which doesn’t go much beyond sportswear and suits for the office, but I’m looking forward to taking part and I’m sure the fellow judges will keep me right, and that the standard of entries will be very high.”
Linda Gorn explained that designers are being challenged to make a Textile Accessory or Textile Item from material woven in Scotland. The item must reflect theSpirit of Scotland and could be in the form of jewellery, a handbag, a headpiece or a textile household item such as a cushion or a covered stool. The item can be enhanced with beads, embroidery or any other surface embellishment. The theme can be defined and interpreted in any number of ways and can be modern or traditional.
Linda Gorn said: “The competition closes at the end of August and we want to hear from as many designers as possible and would like them to be as creative as they can imagine. There is a wealth of talent in our area and I think it is really important that we do our best to promote it, which is why I am running the competition.”
She added: “I’m delighted that Douglas has agreed to be on our panel of judges, and I would encourage everyone to get their designs in as soon as possible.”
Details are on the website:http://www.kiltsandtextiles.org/creative-textile-competition