Date Published: 8th December 2025

Scottish Tweed Mill backed by Alexander McCall Smith makes good progress in a year

Almost exactly one year ago, we announced that Sir Alexander McCall Smith had invested in Stewart Christie & Co, a Scottish tweed, tartan and tailoring specialist. Alexander was moved to invest in the company due to its tireless support of the Scottish textile industry:

‘This firm has been a vital part of the Scottish clothing and textile industry for a very long time. The team of James, Daniel and Vixy have been tireless in their support of Scottish textiles and tailoring and that is what prompted me to offer support in the first place.’

Alexander McCall Smith

The company went on to acquire a historic tweed mill in Aberfeldy. That mill, GlenLyon near Aberfeldy, marked its 175-year anniversary this year and the team members there are delighted to report that they have taken great strides forward since it was acquired. They have continued to operate as a separate business but have undertaken major changes including the much-needed renovation programme of the cherished historic building, a showroom and retail operation open to the public, guided tours, a young apprenticeship scheme and collaboration with the British Wool Campaign. They are working at full-tilt to inspire the next generation of artisans working in Scotland.

Find out more at the GlenLyon website.

Alexander was proud to show off the Stewart Christie shop in Edinburgh to the great Angela Rippon while filming for the BBC One Show.