OBE for Harris Tweed owner Catherine Campbell

Harris businesswoman Catherine Campbell had her work nationally recognised on Saturday when she was named in the 2021 Queen's Birthday Honours list.

 

Catherine was awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire) for her services to the Harris Tweed Industry and Economy on the Isle of Harris.

 

Daughter of Alistair and Katie, Catherine has inherited her family's passion for Harris Tweed and is continuing with the family tradition. She has opened the Harris Tweed Isle of Harris shop in Tarbert, which she has developed into possibly the largest stockist of Harris Tweed in the Hebrides.

 

Catherine is also continuing with the original Harris Tweed and Knitwear company, moving it to the Old School in Drinishader where it is much more accessible for visitors.  Here, during the summer months she holds an exhibition of Harris Tweed and has weaving demonstrations daily.

 

She told us: 'I am deeply honoured and very surprised to receive this award, and although I stand to accept this honour, I feel it belongs equally to my family who brought me up to love the Harris Tweed industry I live and work in today,  my staff who have worked tirelessly, supported, and helped me throughout the years, and my dear children, family and friends who stand by me too.'

 

'A very special thanks also to The Harris Tweed Authority, who have guided us, as well as my many colleagues within the industry, for their support, encouragement and expertise throughout the years.

 

'Also, a very big thank you to everyone who has helped and supported us in every way throughout the years, I am eternally grateful.'

 

Catherine follows in the footsteps of her great aunt Marion who was awarded a British Empire Medal in the 1985 Queen’s New Year Honours List for her service to the industry.

 

Ardnamurchan Distillery was also celebrating on Saturday when Edinburgh-based whisky expert Charles MacLean, who has been linked to the Glenbeg whisky manufacturer since its inception as one of the founding directors of Adelphi Distillery Limited, was awarded an MBE for his services to Scotch whisky, UK exports and charity.

 

'Charlie and his famous nose have been guiding us for 27 years now, so we know this is a very well deserved nomination,' said a distillery spokesperson.

 

Catherine and Charles were among 33 Scots to receive awards for their outstanding achievements.