About the Project

This exciting three year project focuses on the tradition of hand knitted ganseys in the Moray Firth’s fishing communities as a way of preserving this important part of our culture and introducing the craft – and the area’s wider fishing heritage – to new audiences.

A 'gansey' is a distinctive, seamless, woollen pullover, traditionally worn by seamen and fishermen. It was designed to be practical, comfortable to wear for work, and provide some protection from the harsh conditions at sea. Many early fishing communities are thought to have had their “own” distinctive gansey patterns or pattern combinations. Wearers’ initials or the name of the boat were sometimes incorporated into a design, and if a man was lost at sea, this might have helped identify him.

The project will:-

• provide local project coordinators to help locate, record and conserve examples of traditional Moray Firth Ganseys, patterns and traditions
• involve communities and individuals, schools and colleges
• provide skills development training
• promote local economic development opportunities

A brand new web site dedicated to the Gansey project is now live......follow this link to read more.

It is really important that old examples of ganseys are not thrown away - it does not matter if they are well worn or patched! We just need to be able to record the patterns and the style so that we can build up a complete picture of ganseys around the Moray Firth and to show the development of patterns in a UK and North Sea context.

If you have any old ganseys (regardless of condition), patterns, knitting pins / sheaths, old pictures showing ganseys or gansey knitters or indeed any information or stories, we would be delighted to hear from you.

This project is being part-financed by the Heritage Lottery Fund, and by the Scottish Government and The European Community Rural Aberdeenshire, Highland and Moray LEADER 2007 – 2013 Programmes.