Textiles industry in Scotland

International and innovative

The Scottish textile industry has been at the forefront of high value manufacturing and global exporting since the 1700s and the industry today is flexible, innovative and market driven.

World-leading brands across fashion, interiors and technical textiles all view Scotland as a supplier of choice.

Scottish textiles exports are worth £360 million (1.1% of Scotland's total international exports, 2018). The sector exports to over 150 countries with Scottish quality and authenticity at the core of the industry proposition.

Scottish textiles can be found all around the world - from Sydney Opera House to luxury Singapore hotels, from surgical gowns to artificial grass, from the Milan catwalks to premium airports and from Hollywood film sets to Formula 1 cars.

Company insight

Textiles companies surveyed between August and December 2020

Biggest challenges

• 82% impact of Covid-19

• 35% negative impact of Brexit

Biggest opportunities

• 35% competitiveness and product enhancements

• 29% developing new markets