'I love the sheep and the people' - Knitters flock to Shetland's wool week
Shetland Wool Week has attracted nearly 1,000 international visitors to the Scottish islands for a celebration of traditional knitting, textiles, and local culture. The event features workshops and social gatherings that highlight the global appeal of Shetland's wool industry.
Why it matters
The event demonstrates the economic and cultural significance of niche tourism and traditional crafts for remote communities.
Image caption, Shetland Wool Week draw visitors from Scotland and further afield
Almost 1,000 people have gathered in Shetland for the island's annual celebration of wool, knitting and textiles.
The week-long event is marking its 17th year and features classes, workshops, talks, tours and social activities.
Shetland Wool Week draws enthusiasts from around the world, including the US and Japan.
This year's patron, knitwear designer Helen Robertson, said: "I think wool week is just such a fantastic organisation and festival, and it's really brought Shetland textiles to life."
We've travelled 5,000 miles to the 'holy place' of knitting
Published 9 November 2025 The remote island where jumpers are always in fashion
Published 19 February 2020 Nancy Woodhouse, a knitter from Arizona in the US, brought some of her creations, including a woolly hat inspired by the crime drama Shetland .
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