An islander who is helping to keep weaving skills alive has been made and MBE.
Robert Ryan, aged 79, has been honoured for services to weaving and the economy on the Isle of Mull.
Mr Ryan has shared his considerable skills and advice, helping to build a viable weaving operation at Ardalanish on the island.
He trained young apprentices to carry on the skilled operations, and helped one to set up a similar business on Skye.
His contribution to keeping these skills alive and weaving from local breeds of sheep has rejuvenated a small agricultural community in the Ross of Mull.
He helped to bring on board more British textile companies to process certified organic wool products as well as training and inspiring several new weavers, two of whom have gone on to set up their own weaving businesses.
This ensures these unique and valuable skills are not lost. He assisted the Natural Fibre Company in Cornwall by procuring and rebuilding a weaving loom for them as well as a similar project in Boho, Northern Ireland.
He worked with the Shetland Organic Wool Producers and inspired innovation by showing the Skye Weavers how to build their own warping mill from the disused wheels of an old hay rake.
Apart from the skills he teaches, young people are given the confidence to believe in their abilities, and to work individually and as part of a team.
