Many people have wished to see a centre devoted to the island's uniquely famous Harris Tweed for some years now. A serious attempt to build a centre was made several years ago with an imaginative project presented to the Millenium Commision for funding. Sadly this projected was turned down for funding at the last hurdle and did not go ahead.

HDL however continued to press for a new proposal and formed a working group in Sept 1999 to look at future options. That group is now led by Western Isles Enterprise in partnership with HDL, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and the Harris Tweed Authority. Current plans involve the placing of the Harris Tweed Centre on a shorefront site on an area of land to be reclaimed at the head of East Loch Tarbert. Such a site would create an impressive landfall for visitors arriving in Tarbert by ferry.

The group recently commissioned Skakel & Skakel of Edinburgh to develop the interpretation concept for the centre and to produce an outline design for a building to house the interpretation. Their work has proposed incorporating an interpretive visitor centre, a high quality outlet for Harris Tweeds and a café facility.

The interpretive aspect would tell the story of Harris Tweed from its humble beginnings to present day high fashion item. It would allow visitors to understand and experience the processes involved in the making of the tweed and would also allow for demonstrations of weaving. Locals with experience of weaving would act as guides, telling the story of Harris Tweed from their own unique perspective.

Currently many visitors to Harris find it difficult to purchase tweed garments locally and it is hoped that a quality retail facility selling a range of goods from traditional jackets to modern fashion items would fill this niche. It is also hoped that this kind of facility will also stimulate an increased production of locally tailored goods providing employment opportunities outwith the centre itself.

The building has been designed so that the café will look out on to East Loch Tarbert and provide superb views down the loch. As well as allowing visitors to linger for a while after visiting the centre it will also provide a facility that could easily be used as a meeting room for holding trade events in the close season.