JUST 100 scarfs have been made from a rare 1970 tartan originally woven for Scotland's first-ever Commonwealth Games after it was recently rediscovered in a warehouse.
Project Harmless, founded in Edinburgh, have repurposed the material in an effort to combat textile waste, with the aim to prove "forgotten materials can be transformed into stylish accessories".
After lying untouched for more than five decades in a Dumfries warehouse, the pure wool tartan was rediscovered and used to create the limited-edition release of 100 scarfs. Each piece includes a hand-signed certificate of authenticity.
“When I saw the tartan, I immediately thought, ‘what a waste for such high-quality tartan just sitting in a corner, there must be something we can do,’” said George Greer, the Scottish eco-entrepreneur and co-founder of Project Harmless.
Ka Ho Wong, creative director of Project Harmless, moved to Glasgow six years ago, and said: “Scottish culture has always fascinated me; perhaps it’s because I grew up in Hong Kong, where tartan designs and bagpipe bands were a familiar part of life.
“This tartan is historical, and it deserved to be more than just forgotten material. It is also a chance to showcase Scottish craftsmanship and support the rural economy.”
Each scarf is handmade in the Scottish Borders, featuring hand-fringed edges, and an upcycled leather patch.
Globally, the fashion industry generates an estimated 92 million tonnes of textile waste each year, with much of it ending up in landfills or incinerated.
Laura Young, Scottish climate scientist and sustainability advocate, commented: “Often people don’t fully understand the impact of fashion on the environment, society, and economy. Project Harmless offers a solution-driven approach to fashion and can be a catalyst for real change.”
Each scarf is priced at £80 and is exclusively available on the Project Harmless website.
Following the success of this launch, Project Harmless has also launched a range of travel bags and pet accessories in the tartan.
“Our mission goes beyond creating stylish, high-quality products,” said Greer.
“It’s about reshaping the industry’s approach to sustainability and inspiring other businesses to embrace local craftsmanship.”
