Galashiels textile talent hailed in London

The 41-year-old, whose company’s headquarters is in his home town of Galashiels, was recently presented the award at a special ceremony held within Saddlers Hall, Westminster.

The award acknowledges the hard work for successful textile manufacturing companies within Scotland, Sinclair decided in 2012 to start his own cashmere accessories brand, Sinclair Duncan.

He said: “I was stunned, yet honoured, to have been considered for this award and am really proud to be accepting this as head of my own business, which we only started four years ago.

“It has really buoyed me to continue to produce the high quality products that the UK is renowned for.’

Past recipients of the award include the current chairman of the Worshipful Company of Weavers, James Sugden, who said of Sinclair’s success: “I worked alongside Sinclair at the Johnstons mills in Elgin and Hawick for nearly 20 years, and in his managerial capacity his contribution to the industry has been outstanding.

“The industry needs more young experts like Sinclair, who can demonstrate that where there is a will, there is a way. This is how new jobs are created.”

Another award at the same ceremony – this won for top student – was won by Katie Fairfull (22), from Hamilton, who studies textile design with a specialism in weave at Heriot-Watt University in Galashiels.

She said: “I’m completely overwhelmed to have won the Stuart Hollander Scholarship from the Worshipful Company of Weavers. I’ve not been a part of the textile industry for long, but it is a pleasure to wake up each morning excited about what the day could bring, and I’m still at university.”

Both Katie and Sinclair are proof that applied dedication and strong belief in the UK textile manufacturing industry are key threads in the design for success.