After a four-hour drive to Ullapool followed by a two-and-a-half-hour ferry crossing to Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, I finally arrived at Stornoway Museum to examine what is believed to be perhaps the only surviving jacket and waistcoat made from St Kilda tweed.

Unfortunately, my visit did not begin as I had hoped. A fire alarm was sounding when I arrived, with all of the visitors and staff gathered outside the museum. While waiting, I spoke with Caroline, the Archives Officer, and explained my project and my hope of seeing the suit. She told me the devastating news that the only person with access to the store where it was kept was away on holiday, making it impossible for me to view it.

I was deeply disappointed. I had only just managed to fit this visit into an already hectic itinerary before returning to Australia, and this was one item I had been longing to see.

Caroline mentioned that there was one other person who might be able to help—Samantha, who worked part-time—but she wasn't optimistic that she could be contacted. She suggested I send an email to the museum office anyway, which I did immediately before reluctantly heading off to check into my accommodation, convinced I would be returning to Glasgow empty-handed the following day.

Then, just an hour later, everything changed.

Samantha emailed to say that Caroline had managed to reach her and had told her about My St Kilda Tweed Project. She kindly offered to come in the following afternoon so that I could see the suit.

I was absolutely overjoyed.

Without hesitation I extended my stay in Stornoway by another night and changed my ferry booking to the following morning.

The next day I finally stood before this remarkable piece of history—an item I had previously only ever seen in photographs. I was able not only to photograph it extensively but also to examine it in minute detail. It was an extraordinary privilege and one I will never forget.

My sincere thanks go to Caroline and Samantha, who both went well above and beyond the call of duty to make this possible. Their kindness and willingness to help someone from the other side of the world means far more than they will ever know.

Seeing this jacket and waistcoat has given me even greater inspiration. My hope is now to weave enough authentic St Kilda tweed, using wool from Soay and Boreray sheep, for my tailor in Australia to recreate a jacket and waistcoat in the same style. If the finished garment is worthy of the original, I would love to donate it to the National Trust for Scotland as a small gesture of gratitude for all the encouragement and support I have received throughout this remarkable journey.

Once again, another door has opened—almost miraculously—just when it seemed firmly closed. Every one of these moments strengthens my determination to achieve my goal of bringing St Kilda tweed back to life for the first time in almost a century.