Scotland’s storied legacy of cashmere continues with the highly skilled artisans of Begg x Co.
Alex Begg began producing hand-woven shawls in the Scottish town of Paisley in 1862, until relocating his cashmere factory to Ayr, also known as “The Home of Cashmere,” 40 years later. Today, Begg x Co continues this tradition under the leadership of Ian Laird by creating responsible cashmere knitwear in both Ayr and Hawick in the Scottish Borders.
While the current Begg x Co Mills have been producing cashmere for over a decade; many of the Begg x Co craftspeople have been working with the company for over 40 years. After starting with scarves and shawls, in 2019 Begg x Co expanded their offering and began making garments. To achieve some of the softest cashmere on the market, Begg x Co has their natural environment to thank. The mist generated by the Firth of Clyde, and regular rainfall from the lush Ayrshire hills, creates soft water ideal for creating the kind of cashmere we want to live in all season.
Inspired by the innate contrast of Scotland’s sweeping natural beauty and gritty urban centers, Begg x Co’s team is powered by the ideals of craftsmanship, responsibility and authenticity. Prioritizing comfort and color in both design and production, Begg x Co creates cashmere for those who celebrate boldness and self expression in their everyday lives.
A heritage brand at heart, the techniques used by Begg x Co are the same that have been used for hundreds of years within the knitwear industry. “My whole family has worked in the cashmere industry here for hundreds of years. I’ve still got a lot of vintage pieces from my grandfather, who was a hand-intarsia knitter. It’s in my blood,” says Creative Director Angela Bell. Every Begg x Co piece is hand-finished by highly skilled artisans for whom the trade has been passed down through generations.
Combining long established techniques with cutting-edge technology, each Begg x Co fiber is traceable from goat to garment. While technical innovations are used, these garments are still crafted by artisans: creating one cardigan requires 20 pairs of hands and 19 processes. In their fabrication, attention to detail is everything: one misstep can take Begg x Co artisans back to square one.
In addition to their commitment to craftsmanship, Begg x Co is also committed to the natural environment. In 2021, Begg x Co aligned their business objectives with that of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and now publishes a yearly report on their environmental and social responsibility as a company. In 2024, Begg x Co became a registered B Corp, joining nearly 9,000 businesses working towards social good.
