The Lord-Lieutenant recently launched the Fashion and Textiles Project at Kyle Academy Ayr which is the latest project that is being supported by Developing the Young Workforce Ayrshire.

 

 The project was first funded in 2020-2021, but that was in the height of Covid so there was no official launch. There has been further funding provided this year, and it was a perfect opportunity to celebrate the success of Kyle Academy giving young people the opportunity to achieve qualifications namely National Progression Award (NPA) Costume, which is an introduction to Cutting, Sewing and Surface Decoration SCQF level 5.

 

At the event the Lord Lieutenant said” I had no hesitation in accepting this invitation because I realise the importance of the work being done here and of DYW’s aim which is to assist young people in the community by promoting well-being and skills to increase young people’s prospect of employability. I also have a close connection with Kyle Academy in that my children both attended this school and they and I have fond memories of the time they spent here.

 

HM King Charles has a long standing and profound interest in textiles primarily driven by his advocacy for environmental sustainability. The preservation of traditional craft skills and support for the British wool industry.  Through his charity the Kings Foundation - formerly The Prince’s Foundation - he has established textile education and training programs e.g. Future Textiles and Modern Artisan initiatives. These are designed address skill gaps in the industry and to ensure that handicraft skills – including sewing cutting embroidery and weaving - are not lost. His aim along with some of the high-end designers, is to promote sustainable collections. We are fortunate in this area that many of these courses are free and available at Dumfries House”.