One of Scotland’s best-selling authors, Sir Alexander McCall Smith, is involved in the acquisition of a historic tweed mill.

The writer is a partner in Oddments, which owns the tweed, tartan and tailoring specialist Stewart Christie & Co and has taken over the Glenlyon Tweed Mill in Perthshire.

Established in Aberfeldy by P & J Haggart Ltd in 1850, the mill will continue as a separate business and retain its name. Its clients include tailors, designers and sporting estates.

The mill building is undergoing renovations ahead of reopening to the public in the spring.

Former owner Michael Gates-Fleming remains involved as a shareholder, while the business is now led by creative director and Stewart Christie owner Vixy Rae and finance director Daniel Fearn. They are backed by Sir Alexander along with fellow Oddments owner Prof James G McCallum.

Ms Rae said: “We are thrilled to announce the exciting takeover of the Glenlyon Tweed Mill in Aberfeldy by the five partners.

“Our vision is to revitalise this cherished building while honouring its rich heritage. We are committed to innovative tweed designs and custom creations, inviting visitors to experience the beauty of craftsmanship firsthand.

“As we prepare to re-open to the public next spring, we look forward to offering guided tours and creating the opportunity for weaving apprenticeships, to nurture the next generation of artisans.”

Mr Fearn said: “Tweed is the fabric of Scottish countryside, and the mill stands as a testament to the enduring art of weaving. It is so important to us that we do our part to safeguard the future and reputation of the mill as we embark on this new chapter at Glenlyon.”

Chairman Prof McCallum said: “This latest investment reaffirms our commitment to the legacy of Scottish weaving and tailoring and, importantly, to protecting the unique skills needed to continue such an important part of Scotland’s retail history.”

James Haggart founded the family firm in 1801 in Acharn, and began spinning local wool, weaving cloth and tailoring it into warm clothing. As the business flourished under the leadership of his sons, Peter and James, they took over the purpose-built mill in 1850 harnessing the power of the nearby burn.

The then self-sufficient mill produced rugged tweeds that gained Royal patronage, including the late Queen Mother, and served a diverse clientele. The mill held as many as seven Royal warrants in a 100-year period.

Over the years, the mill has adapted and evolved, continuing to create fine, hardy tweeds that are sold nationally and internationally, including bespoke tweeds for luxury properties and estates, including recently Taymouth Castle and The Fortingall hotel.

Head of Weaving Operations Gordon Hermiston has worked at Glenlyon since leaving school at age 15 for 42 years and now trains mill hand and Apprentice Weaver Isaac Hawkins. The mill will take on more apprentices in the near future.