SHEEPSKIN TANNERY
Skyeskyns are based on the Isle of Skye. They are focused on sustainability and working with nature. Established in 1983 by Clive and Lydia Hartwell and currently run by their daughter. They are looking to source rare breed and interestingly coloured skins. They are looking for breeders interested in working with them. If you have other breeds of coloured sheep than just Loaghtans, Skyeskyns would be especially interested. They need high quality skins, with 2 inches or more of fleece length.
Contact Blair Wood at:
Skyeskyns Ltd
17 Lochbay, Waternish
Isle of Skye IV55 8GD
phone: 01470 592237
(Note from John Hedges: One problem, I have experienced, is getting abattoirs to release the horns and skins to me, due to Waste Handling Regulations. I have, however, found that registering with the Environment Agency as a “lower tier waste carrier, broker and dealer” is exceptionally easy using the GOV.UK website. A low tier waste carrier only handles waste products from their smallholding or farm and once registered does not have to be renewed. It will be interesting to see if this makes the retrieval of my sheepskins any easier.
The other issue to be considered is that skins will need to be collected from Loaghtans slaughtered in late autumn, so they are long enough after shearing in the summer but not starting to rise, ready to shed in the subsequent spring."
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