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Scotland's tartan and whisky makers hold breath after Brexit

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AFP Selkirk
In the production hall of the world's biggest tartan maker, huge iron spools rotate amid the roar of machines as threads of every colour are pulled together at lightning speed to produce its distinctive weaves.

A week after Britain voted to leave the European Union, the referendum has left dark clouds hanging over the business in Selkirk, near Scotland's border with England.

Lochcarron of Scotland produces 1,500 types of tartan including a blue and rose pastel version worn by Princess Diana, a product 100 per cent "Made in Scotland".

But the firm, which employs 94 people, is now watching the fate of sterling on the money markets, and worrying about its future after the shock Brexit vote.
 

The factory depends heavily on high-precision equipment and raw materials which come from Europe, the prices of which could skyrocket due to sterling plunging against the euro.

"That would be the first impact," says production boss David Riddell.

For many in Selkirk, an hour's drive south of Edinburgh, last week's vote was particularly unwelcome. While across the United Kingdom 52 per cent of voters backed "Leave", 62 per cent of Scots voted "Remain".

Many families, businesses and institutions come to Selkirk to order their own exclusive tartan pattern. Vivienne Westwood, Dior, Jean Paul Gaultier and Ralph Lauren are among those who have called on Lochcarron for their collections.

Forty-six per cent of its sales are overseas.

Riddell says bluntly that Brexit could be a threat to his business. "If politicians do their jobs, we're going to benefit from this, but if not, the UK is going to go through a difficult period," he added.

Liz Cameron, head of Scotland's national Chambers of Commerce, said it was vital that the country can continue to trade with Europe.

"We're part of a negotiating group which is within the UK, but our prime minister in Scotland is also developing other relationships," she said.

"That's absolutely the right way to go because we're looking at anything that can enable us to continue to trade freely with the European business market."

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon wants to keep the nation in the EU and is mulling a fresh independence referendum in a bid to protect its position.

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First Published: Jun 30 2016 | 10:48 PM IST

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