The Scottish Borders has a rich agricultural and textile industry and is home to more sheep than people.
For its bicentanary event, the Border Union Show will feature a special ‘Story of Wool Showcase’, demonstrating the major input made by the textiles industry to the economy of the Borders.
The showcase will take vistors through every step of the wool process from shearing to wearing.
Live shearing demonstrations will take place at the entrance to the display, there will then be exhibits of different fleeces by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust and hands on demonstrations of spinning, dyeing, weaving and wool felting.
Accompanying displays by the Wool Marketing Board and companies including Johnstons of Elgin will showcase a range of finished wool products including rugs and scarves depicting Borders colours.
The grand finale will be two fashion shows (noon and mid afternoon on Saturday) presented by the Textiles Unit of Scottish Enterprise and featuring the work of designers including Belinda Robertson, Hawick Knitwear, Lochcarron, Johnstons of Elgin, Harris Tweed Hebrides, Di Gilpin and Eribe.
Amongst the participants in the showcase will be Ewa Kuniczak, owner of Felt Head to Toe.
One of Scotland’s leading felters, Ewa creates an array of products using 100 per cent Merino wool, including elaborate scarves, headwear, garments, jewellery, and panels for interiors using Native and Norwegian fleeces .
Ewa commented: “Wool is an incredibly versatile product to work with.
“I discovered felting over 30 years ago and have travelled around the world learning both traditional and modern felting techniques. I am looking forward to introducing Border Union Show visitors to drawing and painting with fibres through felting, the opportunites it offers for being creative, and to the vast range of items it can be used to make.”
Peter Bowyer, Director of the BUAS and co-ordinator of the Story of Wool exhibition said: “We are confident that this will be an exciting exhibition which we hope will demonstrate the major input made by the textile industry to the economy of the Borders.”