Our Story
Iain and Annie Mackay, a husband and wife team with over 90 years of experience between them are the masters of this ancient craft. Iain learned from his father at 14, a time when such traditions were commonly passed down. Annie, on the other hand, was taught by her husband over 40 years ago. Our weaving is done on the Hattersley loom which is around 90 years old and still works as good today as when first built.
We are privileged to produce top-quality cloth governed by an act of parliament, woven exclusively at our home on the Outer Hebrides island of Lewis.
The name "Crotal" is the Gaelic name for the lichen which grows on stones and rocks and was traditionally used for dyeing the wool. As we wanted the business to have a traditional connection we thought it would be the perfect name for our business.