Opportunity to celebrate the timeless art of hand weaving

New Lanark World Heritage Site is delighted to announce the launch of its brand-new Weaving Workshops, offering visitors the chance to discover the traditional art of hand weaving in one of Scotland’s most historically significant textile locations.

Set within the atmospheric Textile Floor, Mill 3, the workshops invite participants to step into New Lanark’s rich industrial past while learning practical weaving skills under the guidance of Hand Loom Weaver, Abigail Watson. These relaxed, hands-on evening sessions combine heritage, creativity and community, providing a unique opportunity to explore traditional techniques, try a newly restored weaving loom, and create a personal woven piece to take home.

Abigail has been working with New Lanark over the last few months to repair and restore the loom which has been on the textile floor. Speaking about the project, she said, ‘For me, weaving opens up an opportunity to explore lives of the past. Following the same methods which have been used for centuries allows us to connect with the past through cloth. New Lanark is known for its role in the heritage Scottish Textile industry and it has been so special to create cloth, using their wool spun onsite. The New Lanark team are so passionate about unravelling the threads of past stories, and the loom adds another layer to the New Lanark story, allowing for a continued role of textiles at New Lanark.’

The first workshop takes place on:

Date: Wednesday 11th March 2026
Time: 6.30pm – 8.30pm
Location: Textile Floor, Mill 3, New Lanark World Heritage Site
Price: £35 per person

All materials are included, and participants are encouraged to bring small trinkets or meaningful fabric pieces if they wish to incorporate something personal into their weaving. Tea and cake will be provided, adding to the warm and sociable atmosphere of the evening.

The workshops are suitable for complete beginners as well as those with some prior experience. Alongside practical tuition, guests will learn about the history of weaving at New Lanark and the lives of the people who once worked in the mills. Participants will even contribute individual lines to a collaborative woven piece, echoing the collective nature of historic textile production.

March 2026 also marks 240 years since manufacturing began at New Lanark, making this opportunity to get involved with heritage crafts all the more special.

To enhance the experience further, attendees can enjoy 10% off accommodation at the four-star New Lanark Mill Hotel and food at the Mill Restaurant. Spaces are limited and early booking is strongly recommended.

For more information and to book, visit:
https://newlanark.org/events/weaveworkshop/