Where it all began

Our Story

WHERE WE CAME FROM

Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscape of the Isle of Skye
lies our croft at Waternish, the birthplace of Skyeskyns. What began as a humble endeavour driven by a desire to repurpose discarded sheepskins and diversify the croft in the
1980s has blossomed into a four-decade journey of craftsmanship and
sustainability.

The brainchild of Clive and Lydia Hartwell, Skyeskyns was a dream nurtured over two decades, fuelled by Clive's enchantment with our
picturesque coastal village. Today, guided by the second generation of the Hartwell family, our commitment remains unwavering – to create and offer the finest sheepskin rugs, throws, and leather goods while treading the path to
NetZero.

Our journey traces back to the croft in Waternish, where the family flock of black-faced sheep once grazed, their skins destined for landfill. Seeking a more sustainable and exciting solution, Clive and Lydia embarked on the art of tanning, guided by local wisdom and learning the skills from Northampton University. Family holidays became opportunities for hands-on learning, as sheepskins in various stages of completion filled the car to the brim.

WHERE WE ARE NOW

At the core of our ethos lies a dedication to preserving artisanal traditions that span millennia. Utilising wool-on tanning techniques and vintage machinery from the 1920s and 30s, we transform raw materials into exquisite sheepskin home accessories.

Our products now grace our local shops in Waternish and Portree and online boutique, showcasing the timeless allure of Scottish and British craftsmanship.

Every piece bearing the Skyeskyns name is meticulously handmade in small, limited-edition batches at our Waternish tannery, the beating heart of our family enterprise.

Using mimosa tree bark tanning, we produce luxuriously soft leather in harmony with the environment. Waste generated in the tanning process finds new life through our sustainable practices, with remnants composted and returned to nourish our croft and woodland.