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The Hebridean sheepskin rug is a Scottish crofting tradition. This almost pitch black fleece is smaller, in line with the short stature of the Hebridean Hoggets, and of a slightly rougher wool than your average sheepskin. This is due to the Hebridean being a slow maturing breed in a harsh climate. But it is still a fluffy fleece, with a deep pile, either black or black with flecks of grey. It's very striking and has a very long history.
HiSTORY:
Bred in Scotland for centuries, Hebridean sheep, referred to as Scottish Dunface, were popular for their hardy and sturdy nature, well suited to the climate.
In the eighteenth century and during the Clearances, they were superseded for the much larger Cheviot and Blackface breeds, but they somehow still found favour in the islands and on the estates of the landed gentry who liked their quirky looks.
After joining the rare breeds "at-risk" list in the late 20th century, the breed has now made a comeback in the Highlands and Islands where it can be reared in tune with the local environment.
WHERE THE SHEEPSKINS CAME FROM:
These Hebridean fleeces comes from Sunhill Croft on Berneray, in the Sound of Harris in the Outer Hebrides, where they are bred to minimise impact on the environment and with a focus on animal welfare and beautiful wool, as the croft also sells yarns.
The fleeces are typically 55 to 60 wide at their widest point, and 80 to 90 cm long at the tallest point.
To keep your sheepskin looking as good as the day you bought it, restore the texture of the wool from time to time using a metal brush or comb. On the back of each sheepskin, you will find a stamp detailing whether the fleece is washable or dry clean only. For a spot clean or refresh, use a damp cloth and our Woolly Fresh Spray. Use the latter sparingly.
Washable sheepskins
You can hand wash or machine wash your fleece on a wool cycle at 30 degrees Celsius with a wool-specific soap or our Woolly Wash. Dry in the shade and do not expose the leather to heat. When dry, shake vigorously and rejuvenate the pile using a brush.
Dry-clean sheepskins
Your rug should be brushed regularly to keep the fleece in good condition, this is especially important if you have a longer staple rug. If you do spill something on the rug it can be spot washed, taking care not to wet the leather, and then dried slowly. Talk to a reputable dry cleaner, who will have experience of leather and fleeces.
Orders are usually dispatched within 2 working days of receiving your order, except where the item is made to order. In this case, please check the description on the item. We use tracked services for all orders. Tracking information will be sent to you via the courier.
We usually expect UK parcels to arrive 3 to 5 working days from dispatch, within 7 to 10 working days for EU orders, and further afield to within 7 to 21 working days. If you require more information please contact us.
Free shipping to anywhere in the UK for orders of £150 and over.
Shipping is calculated at checkout when you enter the delivery address. We ship worldwide.
EU customers: you will be offered the option to pay duties & taxes at the point of purchase or to pay a shipping only rate. Please note that, with a shipping only rate, you will have to pay in-country tax and custom charges on arrival. Although we offer a tracked Express service with DHL, custom checks may delay delivery. We apologise for any inconvenience caused, these are unfortunately outwith our control.
For more details, visit our Delivery Information page.
UK customers:
Exchanges and returns can be made within 14 days of receipt of the goods, without affecting your statutory rights. To request a return or exchange, please return the (unworn/unused) product using the returns form provided in your parcel to our Skyeskyns Waternish address. The original postage fee will be deducted from the refund issued, except in instances where the item is faulty, defective or sent in error. Products exchanged are sent out to you free of charge.
Overseas customers:
Please contact the office for details.