Cruise & Group Visits for The Borvemor Loomshed Experience
Borvemor Loomshed welcomes pre-arranged visits from cruise ship passengers and small groups who would like to experience Harris Tweed being made by hand in a working croft setting on the Isle of Harris.
These visits are designed to fit smoothly into a shore itinerary, offering an authentic and memorable insight into a living island craft.
What the Visit Includes
A group visit to Borvemor Loomshed offers the opportunity to:
- Watch Harris Tweed being woven on a traditional Hattersley Mark 1 single width pedal-driven loom
- See yarn spun on a traditional spinning wheel, from carded lambs wool
- Experience hand waulking, to the accompaniment of tradition Gaelic Waulking songs recorded 50 years ago on South Harris. This is the original finishing process , carried out on the island, that made Harris Tweed unique, watch a video here
you are also invited to handle samples of tweed and ask questions in an informal, relaxed setting. All demonstrations take place within the loomshed on our croft at Scarista, close to the Atlantic shore.
Visit Length & Group Size
- Typical visit duration: 30–45 minutes
- Suitable for small to medium groups
- Visits are unhurried and personal, but structured to suit group schedules
Larger groups may be divided where appropriate to ensure everyone can see and hear comfortably.
Location & Access
- Located at 9 Scarista, Isle of Harris
- Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes by road from Stornoway
- Direct access from the A859 main road
- Coach access is straightforward, with off-road parking and turning space
- The loomshed is a short, level walk from the drop-off point
Facilities & Setting
Borvemor Loomshed is part of a working croft, with livestock present seasonally. The visit takes place in a rural, outdoor setting, so suitable footwear and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended.
Portable toilet facilities are available on site.
A beautiful sandy beach lies nearby and can be accessed on foot via a maintained path through machair land, should time allow.
Gifts & Purchases
An agreed entrance fee can be arranged for group visits and may include:
- A small 6 –8” square Harris Tweed coaster, bearing the Harris Tweed authorised stamp, and made on the premises
Visitors may also have the opportunity to:
- Purchase small Harris Tweed items suitable for travel, Pottery CD’s etc
- Order Harris Tweed cloth or items for posting on after the visit
- Purchase rolled art prints by a local artist associated with the croft
Nearby Amenities
The community café Tàla na Mara, overlooking Seilebost sands, is located nearby and offers refreshments, lunches, and toilet facilities.
Enquiries & Arrangements
All cruise and group visits are by prior arrangement.
For availability, group size guidance, and fee discussion, please get in touch via our contact page or email. We are happy to work with cruise operators and tour organisers to ensure visits fit comfortably within shore schedules.