This particular Fair Isle waistcoat was the result of a journey I made in November, via sleeper train to Inverness, in order to work with the team at renowned outfitters Campbell’s of Beauly. We then drove a further two hours to a woollen mill at the most northern tip of Aberdeenshire. To say I was in heaven is an understatement. For this is one of many homes of Scottish knitwear, with all its colour, tradition and talent. Designing in a pandemic gives everyone renewed vigour, it seems. The colours are beautiful. As the owner of Campbell’s, John Sugden, puts it: “I think the customer wants exclusive, unique, quirky little brands that don’t grow too big, but are original. Brands that really own their look.” This would explain why Campbell’s is so popular with locals and tourists alike.