Ian Taylor, who rejuvenate the Harris Tweed industry, has died at the age of 64.
Oxford University graduate Taylor died of pneumonia following a lengthy illness with cancer.
Mr Taylor is best known as the driving force behind Vitol, a major global oil trader.
He forged links with the Western Isles 13 years ago by investing in the Harris Tweed sector -
The blackest point in the fabric’s history came in 2009 when the Kenneth Mackenzie mill in Stornoway shut following mass redundancies.
When Yorkshire textile magnate Brain Haggas bought it three years previously, the mill dominated the sector, annually churning out 95% of the famous cloth. But Haggas rejected lucrative orders, heavily lashed production and paid off workers. Output reduced to a trickle, supplying only an in-
His only rival was a tiny independent mill at Carloway.
Survival of the industry depended on renewing the derelict Shawbost Mill, financially backed by Ian Taylor who set up Harris Tweed Hebrides.
The mill said in a statement: “Ian was a remarkable individual – extraordinarily successful in his professional career as a trader and generous with his time and wealth in support of myriad causes. It was the great good fortune of Harris Tweed and our islands’ economy that he was prepared to invest in the industry at its lowest ebb in 2007.
“His involvement went far beyond that original investment which made the creation of Harris Tweed Hebrides and the re-
Brian Wilson, chairman of Harris Tweed Hebrides, said: “Ian was a friend for more than 20 years and the cruel illness to which he finally succumbed has robbed us of a man at the peak of his powers who had so much more to offer on many fronts.
“Ian’s father was from Ayrshire and, from when I first got to know him, he said if there was ever anything useful he could do in Scotland, to let him know. When the crisis arose in 2007 for Harris Tweed and I was asked to help, I knew instinctively that Ian would respond positively which, of course, he did.
“Everyone involved in Harris Tweed Hebrides and the wider community owes him a huge debt of gratitude and we will respect his memory for everything he has contributed and made possible”.
Ian Angus Mackenzie, chief executive of Harris Tweed Hebrides, said: “Without Ian's backing this company, and possibly the Harris Tweed industry, would not exist.
“He provided the funding to purchase the mill and the working capital to get the company started -
“It was a brave thing to do when one remembers the position the industry was in at that time. Ian was delighted by the success of the company and took a keen interest in all our activities. His enthusiasm and drive were an inspiration to us all and we will miss him greatly.
“Ian was an extraordinary individual, hugely successful in his professional life but very down to earth and friendly to all. He was probably the most impressive person I have ever dealt with”.
Death of Ian Taylor, the man who helped save the Harris Tweed industry
9 June 2020
