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Friday, March 29, 2024

Bollocks to Black Friday Says Highland Mill for Second Year

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Prickly Thistle Scotland Limited is once again removing its online shop on the 26th of November to raise awareness about the lack of sustainability and potential environmental damage created by the Black Friday phenomenon.

The company, which sells it’s made in the Highlands products across the world did this for first time last year, just 11 months after launching their online shop.

Committed to the cause they will replace their online shop with an explanation of why it feels the encouragement of blatant unconscious consumerism is harmful for the environment, people employed in modern slavery and the future of the global textiles industry.

Clare Campbell, Founder and CEO of Prickly Thistle, explained:

“Black Friday sadly is another marketing attempt by mainly large retailers to sell ever increasing quantities of goods at discounted prices without any thought as to whether they are providing value or respect to their customers, suppliers or the wider world environment.

“By taking this step, we hope to make people stop and think – do I really need this latest bargain or could I actually buy something more environmentally friendly by taking a little longer to do some research into what I really need and where it is sourced from?”

Mrs Campbell, who was a guest speaker at the recent COP26 event in Glasgow, is passionate about building a regenerative future for the textiles and fashion industry, in Scotland and globally.

“For years now we as consumers have become used to buying fast fashion, single use items, all typically made from oil derived fabrics which normally end up in landfill very quickly.

“As a result, the fashion industry is now the second biggest polluter in the world and we’re determined to do our bit to reverse this trend. 

“Right now, only 1% of textiles are recycled, and over 60% is oil based, it’s the biggest oil slick ever, growing every day”

Prickly Thistle established a textile weaving mill just north of Inverness in 2018 after a series of successful crowdfunding campaigns.

The company since then has brought back to life traditional weaving and product creation methods.

They have also enhanced them by adding modern environmental and regenerative processes leading to a circular zero waste design and manufacturing operation.

Since the opening of the mill three years ago, Prickly Thistle has grown to employ 14 staff, all local to the area, and build a global presence.

Through the redevelopment of these traditional techniques, committing to local supply chains, and utilising natural products with little or no waste, the business has built a loyal global following.

Clare added:

“We are super proud of what we achieved, but know we have much more to do. 

“We want to help raise awareness about everything we all fund. 

“When we buy anything we are essentially funding that business to make moral decisions as part of their product or service offering.”

“So for us, to be activists is part and parcel of the journey. 

“Using our voice and using our choice to do something that makes the planet a better place now and for the next generation.”

Prickly Thistle Scotland Limited, for the first time will be opening its mill doors over a week-long programme of free workshops, tours and supporting local food artisans. 

Starting on Sunday 21st November, all communities near and far are welcome to see what they do and why they do it.

Craic Under the Canvas kicks off with world famous Kilted Yogi, Finlay Wilson, hosting the warm up yoga session for the week. 

Free tickets available online by clicking here.

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