Meet the Maker: Cashmere with Alex Begg
Rooted in Scottish heritage and using age-old techniques, Alex Begg have been crafting luxury cashmere for over 150 years. With mills in the heart of Scotland, they create some of the world’s finest hand-crafted cashmere. We sat down with their craftspeople to learn more this historic mill...
Do you use local materials?
100% of our cashmere products are woven and knitted in Scotland.
All Alex Begg cashmere is Grade A. This is determined by the fibre diameter and length. The finer and longer the fibre is, the better.
The raw cashmere is sourced from different regions across Mongolia, before being spun by our partners into durable cashmere yarn, which is then used to craft our products.
You have mills in both Ayr and Hawick – is there a reason your mills are in these locations?
We craft exquisite knitwear and accessories at our two mills: Alex Begg in Ayr, on the West Coast of Scotland, and Scott & Charters in Hawick, situated in the Scottish Borders - two towns rooted in textile expertise. Together, these mills bring a unique blend of heritage and craftsmanship, honed over generations.
Our mill locations are no coincidence. They are positioned close to naturally soft, mineral-rich Scottish water, which plays an essential role in our cashmere finishing process. This unique element enhances the texture and quality of every piece we produce, in a way that cannot be replicated elsewhere in the world.
What does craftsmanship mean to Alex Begg?
Craftsmanship, to us, is about the pursuit of perfection in everything we do. As a team of highly skilled craftspeople, trained to exacting standards, we take immense pride in our work and pay meticulous attention to every detail.
While we continue to invest in state-of-the-art systems and technology, we remain deeply connected to traditional techniques that give our products their unique character. We still pummel cloth in a century-old wooden milling machine to release the short fibres that create our signature softness, and we use specially grown teasel plant heads — harvested by hand and brushed with a sprinkle of Scottish water — to produce a natural ripple effect.
From storing yarn at a precisely controlled temperature, to pressing finished products in paper to give them our signature glossy sheen, every little detail is thought of, and every task – no matter how small - is given the care and attention it deserves. For us, craftsmanship is about honouring tradition while embracing innovation.
Are there skills or traditions you’re trying to preserve?
With industry experience dating back to 1866, our two mills bring a unique blend of over 150 years of textile heritage and expertise, passed down through generations. We have a wealth of experience under one roof - from young apprentices to team members with over 40 years of service, with most of our people multi-skilled specialising in one or two areas.
Discover the Made in Scotland Cashmere Collection.
