Gairloch Pattern Socks

These socks are knitted in the unique ‘Gairloch pattern’, first documented in the mid nineteenth century. The Mackenzies of Gairloch supported work schemes for their tenants during the 1840s potato famine. Spinning and knitting were encouraged to provide an income for women. Gairloch stockings were of high quality and were exported to Edinburgh and London. They were knitted in a variety of patterns and colours, including this one which imitated tartan and became the most popular.