British Yarns Naturally Dyed

About us

The Shilasdair Story

Shilasdair began more than 50 years ago in the 1970’s, founded by Eva Lambert in Waternish on the Isle of Skye. What started as a small cottage workshop became a respected name in natural dyeing, known for honest materials and deep natural colour. Eva’s expertise laid the groundwork for everything we do today, and we’re proud to carry her approach forward.

Simon and Kirsty have lived on Skye for two decades, running The Glenview B&B and Gallery. Kirsty has worked with natural dyes for years, creating and selling her textiles locally. When the chance came to continue Shilasdair, it was a natural step — bringing her dyeing practice together with Eva’s long-standing methods.

“It’s a pinch-yourself moment to grow my natural dyeing and carry forward the work of Eva and Tony Lambert.”

Wool, Dye, and Skye

British Yarns and Local Origins

We have a collection of bespoke yarns, each created in close collaboration with respected British mills — supporting the British textile industry from fleece to finished skein. Fibre choice is deliberate and developed alongside mill owners and fleece sellers, giving every yarn its own texture, weight, and character.

Snàth (Gaelic for yarn) — a blend of Zwartbles and Shetland. A natural grey Aran (worsted) weight yarn with structure and warmth, ideal for outer garments and cosy accessories.

Bodach (Gaelic for old man — the Romney being one of Britain’s oldest sheep breeds) — a blend of Romney and Shetland. Our signature DK, strong and bouncy with excellent stitch definition.

Uir (Gaelic for earth) — a blend of Bluefaced Leicester and Masham. Our 4 ply or fingering-weight yarn, suited to colourwork, Fair Isle, and refined projects.

Stocainn (Gaelic for sock) — 100% Bluefaced Leicester. A versatile yarn for socks, shawls, gloves, and other lightweight knits.

We also offer a small selection of world fibres — including lace mohair and alpaca — perfect for adding softness, sheen, and variety to your projects.

Natural Dyes on Skye

For over 5,000 years, plants and minerals have coloured cloth and wool. We continue that tradition using local dye plants — many giving yellow, orange, and green tones — as well as historic dyestuffs form further afield such as indigo and madder. Our palette changes as new plants and experiments bring fresh shades. No two batches are identical.

Eco Print & Shibori

As well as Shilasdair yarns here at the Isle of Skye Natural Dye company we are also passionate about exploring all different natural dye avenues and there are a lot! From traditional Japanese shibori techniques to India Flints eco print methods, the world of textiles and dyes is never dull!

Our yarns are traceable from fleece to skein, dyed with plants and minerals used in textiles for thousands of years.

British wool. Natural colour.
Dyed by hand on Skye.

Visit our Skye Yarn Shop