Prince Of Wales Visits Textile Firm

25 July 2014, 07:34 | Updated: 25 July 2014, 07:38

The Prince of Wales will today visit a textile firm that has become a world leader by marrying its expertise in traditional methods with new technology.

Charles will tour the production floor of Morton Young and Borland which is renowned for its skills making lace at its mill near Kilmarnock in Scotland.

It has kept the traditional methods of creating the delicate fabric alive and uses original Nottingham lace looms, some more than 90 years old.

But the firm has also networked many of the looms to computers so they can use software to increase production and design capabilities.

It is famed for producing a textile called Madras muslin, popular in the late 19th century with even William Morris creating patterns for it.

Charles, who is known as the Duke of Rothesay when in Scotland, will meet staff and senior management during his tour.

During the day the heir to the throne will also welcome students on a sewing course to his Dumfries House Estate in Cumnock, Ayrshire.