Lindsay Girvan

Raised in London in the swinging sixties inspired by design and textiles, Lindsay travelled far and wide and worked in the handmade Scottish textile industry for over a decade as a curator. Along the way, Lindsay gained an MBA, taught at The University of Edinburgh, and established an organic food business in 1998 and a farm shop both of which continue to thrive at Bonnytoun, the organic farm she runs with her farmer-husband Ben. 

She is finding all sorts of way to support the circular world of organic sustainable farming with textiles her new venture running in parallel to farming and Grow Wild. Lindsay really enjoys being on the farm, feeling and smelling the seasons, nurturing exciting and important projects, and of course, talking to the sheep. Lindsay has travelled full circle over her lifetime.  

Lindsay on Scottish Heritage: I feel a deep connection to my family's roots and ancestors and am proud of these origins.

My artistic and creative mother was born and raised in Aberdeen by her mother who worked in the spinning mill in Aberdeen, and her father who worked as a warehouseman in the docks in Aberdeen and turned wood into wonderful pieces in his spare time. My mother’s obsession and collection of handmade textiles has informed and influenced my own life enormously. 

My Fife-born father’s roots are different; his father was a travelling man but settled down when he fell in love with my grandmother in Cupar. My father roamed the Cairngorms in his youth and dreamed of becoming a shepherd. Funny that - and now here I am the shepherd. In fact, he became an architect, instilling in me a clear sense of design. Both my parents lived adventurous and rich lives all over the world. 

I have always identified with Scotland’s rich cultural heritage including its traditional crafts of spinning, weaving and knitting, of the food, the landscape and that all it has. I am delighted to celebrate this by exploring new ways of bringing back the handmade to the farm, using the wool from our Shetland sheep, and applauding, employing, and supporting the skilled people taking part in this development of industry and creativity on our farm.  

By creating a shepherd’s wardrobe made entirely from our Shetland sheep’s wool, I want to encourage a sense of belonging for the wearer; a deep emotional and sentimental connection to Scotland; the maintenance of a connection to the real land from where the garments are born, and a close association with traditional and cultural heritage.