An award-winning Harris Tweed company is due to undergo a major expansion thanks to support funding from the Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).

HIE has provided £300,000 towards Harris Tweed Hebrides' £1.8 million development.

The investment will help the company with the upgrade and expansion of its facility in Shawbost.

The project will help meet the increase in demand for its unique cloth and is expected to create ten new jobs.

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Harris Tweed Hebrides chief executive, Ian Angus Mackenzie, said: "Over the past eight years, we have built a successful and profitable company, committed to continuous investment in its own future.

"HIE's support will enhance the overall level of investment available and will underpin our objective of a sustainable industry providing high quality employment to islanders and an iconic product to the world."

Rachel Mackenzie, HIE area manager in the Outer Hebrides, added: "Harris Tweed Hebrides has provided a significant number of opportunities for young people to get involved in an industry with long term career prospects.

"We are delighted to invest in the company's latest venture which will see many more new jobs created as a result of expanding production space and exporting in new international markets where demand for the fabric is rising."

(LM)