Top 10 Best Textile Manufacturers in East Renfrewshire

A Proud Textile Heritage

Long before East Renfrewshire became known for its suburbs and schools, its rivers powered a thriving textile industry. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, mills at Neilston, Barrhead, Busby and Thornliebank produced cotton thread, calico and printed fabrics. The Levern Water and White Cart Water provided the power and water needed for spinning, bleaching and printing. Crofthead Mill in Neilston remains an impressive reminder of this industrial past.

Today, large-scale manufacturing has largely moved elsewhere, but Scotland's textile industry remains world-renowned for quality, craftsmanship and innovation. For East Renfrewshire businesses, designers and consumers, the country's leading textile manufacturers offer premium fabrics, knitwear, tweed and technical textiles.

Why Scottish Textiles Stand Out

Scottish textiles are prized for natural fibres, meticulous craftsmanship and heritage techniques combined with modern design. Cashmere, lambswool, tweed and lace from Scotland are sought after by luxury fashion houses around the world. Sustainability is also a key differentiator, with many manufacturers emphasising durable, long-lasting products and responsible sourcing.

The Top 10 Textile Manufacturers Serving East Renfrewshire

1. MYB Textiles

Based in Newmilns in Ayrshire, not far from East Renfrewshire, MYB Textiles is one of the world's few remaining producers of Nottingham lace on traditional looms. It creates lace curtains, panels and furnishing fabrics for interior designers and heritage projects.

2. Begg x Co

Begg x Co, based in Ayr, is renowned for its luxury cashmere and lambswool scarves and throws. Its combination of traditional weaving and contemporary design has earned a global following.

3. Johnstons of Elgin

Johnstons of Elgin is one of Scotland's oldest vertical textile mills, producing cashmere and fine wool from fibre to finished product. Its fabrics and knitwear are used by leading fashion brands worldwide.

4. Lochcarron of Scotland

Lochcarron of Scotland is one of the world's leading manufacturers of tartan, producing a vast range of patterns for kilts, accessories and interiors. It is a key supplier for Highland dress retailers across the country.

5. Harris Tweed Hebrides

Harris Tweed Hebrides produces authentic Harris Tweed, hand-woven by islanders in the Outer Hebrides. The fabric's protected status and distinctive character make it popular with fashion and interiors brands.

6. Mackintosh

Mackintosh is famous for its rubberised rainwear, crafted in its factory near Glasgow. The brand's iconic coats combine heritage techniques with contemporary fashion, making it a symbol of Scottish manufacturing excellence.

7. Barrie Knitwear

Based in Hawick, Barrie Knitwear is a celebrated cashmere manufacturer with decades of expertise. It is known for its exceptional craftsmanship and its association with high fashion.

8. Hawick Knitwear

Hawick Knitwear produces premium knitwear in the Scottish Borders, working with lambswool, merino and cashmere. It supplies both its own collections and other brands seeking high-quality Scottish production.

9. Holland & Sherry

Holland & Sherry is a luxury cloth merchant with strong Scottish connections, supplying fine suiting fabrics and interior textiles to tailors and designers worldwide.

10. Timorous Beasties

Timorous Beasties is a Glasgow-based design studio known for its bold, surreal textiles and wallpapers. Its creative approach to printed fabrics has made it one of the most distinctive names in contemporary Scottish design.

Textile Industry Trends in 2026

Scotland's textile sector is embracing sustainability, traceability and innovation. Consumers increasingly value garments made to last, and manufacturers are responding with repair services, recycled fibres and transparent supply chains. Digital printing and small-batch production enable designers to create bespoke collections with less waste. Technical textiles for healthcare, sport and engineering are also a growing area.

Heritage tourism, including mill visits and textile trails, continues to attract visitors interested in Scotland's industrial history, including the former mill villages of East Renfrewshire.

Supporting Local Makers

East Renfrewshire has a growing community of independent makers, including knitters, weavers and upholsterers. Many source materials from Scottish mills and sell through craft fairs, farmers markets and independent shops in Giffnock, Clarkston and Eaglesham. Supporting these makers helps keep traditional skills alive.

Choosing a Textile Manufacturer

When sourcing textiles, consider fibre quality, minimum order quantities, lead times and sustainability credentials. Request samples and visit mills where possible to understand production methods. For heritage or interiors projects, look for manufacturers with experience in restoration and bespoke production.

Exploring Local Textile History

Residents curious about the area's past can explore reminders of its textile era on foot. The riverside paths along the Levern Water in Barrhead and Neilston follow routes once lined with mills and bleachfields, while Crofthead Mill remains a striking landmark. Local history groups and libraries hold photographs and records of the families who worked in these mills, offering a fascinating insight into how the industry shaped the communities of East Renfrewshire. Understanding this heritage adds depth to the appreciation of the Scottish textiles made today.

Final Thoughts

East Renfrewshire's textile heritage is woven into its history, and Scotland's modern manufacturers continue that tradition with world-class products. From the lace looms of MYB Textiles to the cashmere of Johnstons of Elgin and the creativity of Timorous Beasties, these companies represent the very best of Scottish textiles.