Goatherdess
Sustainable Fashion Brand
Goatherdess is a sustainable fashion brand founded by Polly Reid in 2019, near the Highlands of Scotland. Driven by a love for angora goats and a vision to create ethical mohair faux fur, Polly transformed her passion into a brand rooted in sustainability. Over time, Goatherdess expanded to include wool tweeds and mohair blends, all sourced from the rare breed sheep and goats raised on Polly’s farm.
Each garment is handcrafted in an on-site studio, where traditional techniques and natural plant dyes bring timeless designs to life. What sets Goatherdess apart is the "Goatherdess to Garment" philosophy—every piece connects the land, the animals, and the wearer. Made to order and tailored to fit, these garments reduce waste and reflect the individuality of the person who wears them. From the goats’ twice-yearly haircuts to the final stitch, every creation is handled with care, integrity, and a commitment to sustainability.
What is so amazing about working with British wool? At Goatherdess, we proudly work with wool from rare and minority breeds like Castlemilk Moorit, Ouessant sheep, and Angora goats, each offering unique qualities. Castlemilk wool is fine, soft, and resilient, ideal for structured garments. Ouessant wool is dense and durable, perfect for tweeds and heavier knits. Angora goats produce luxurious mohair with a silky sheen and natural warmth.
Blending these fibres creates fabrics with unmatched texture, lustre, and versatility. Mohair adds sheen and durability, while Castlemilk and Ouessant wools provide warmth and structure. Together, these blends offer beautiful, sustainable fabrics that support rare breeds and elevate every garment.
If any/ what have been your challenges with working with British wool and a local way of working? Whilst we’re fortunate to work with some fantastic mills nearby, the number of small-scale, traditional wool mills has declined, making it harder to find the right partners to process wool.However, this local way of working has its rewards. By using nearby mills, we not only support local craftsmanship but also significantly reduce our carbon footprint. The proximity of the mills means we can avoid the environmental costs of long-distance transport, keeping our wool production process as sustainable as possible.
Living in Northern Scotland, where the landscape is integral to our work, it’s important for us to reflect that care for the environment in every stage of our process. From shearing our sheep to the final garment, the wool travels minimal miles, ensuring our pieces are truly local, ethical, and environmentally conscious.
What gauge of Knitwear do you sell? i.e. fine gauge 10-12gg or more chunky knits such as 7-5gg Our knitwear ranges from Lace to Aran.
Do you finish onsite? If not is it convenient or what would be your ideal situation? Yes, all our processes are completed on site.
Do you find a lot of push back in the industry in terms of working with British wool? As we revive the use of wool in fashion, it’s crucial to share the full story—much like the farm-to-fork movement in food—showing how wool is responsibly sourced and turned into clothing. Wool is not just a fibre; it represents a deep connection between the land, the animals, and the garments we wear. At Goatherdess, we can share the whole story, celebrating the journey from the twice-yearly haircuts of our rare breed goats and sheep to the careful craftsmanship behind each piece. Every garment is a tribute to nature and tradition, transforming raw wool into timeless fashion.
In 2025, Goatherdess will host open days, giving people the chance to see firsthand how their clothes are made, from the fleece to the finished garment. Visitors will be able to meet our rare breed goats and sheep, whose wool is at the heart of what we do. These breeds are at risk of being lost from our world, and by supporting them, we’re preserving a vital piece of heritage. Guests will experience the entire "goatherdess to garment" process, discovering how wool is naturally dyed and handcrafted, and witnessing the unique bond between fashion and the natural world.
Do you have any hero farmers or people in your supply chain you would like to highlight? At Goatherdess, the well-being of our animals is at the heart of everything we do, and we’re fortunate to have people in our supply chain whose dedication makes all the difference. One of these is farmer Kevin Douglas, who supplies high-quality bales of hay for our goats and sheep, ensuring they have access to nutritious, regenerative meadow plants 24/7. His commitment to sustainable, regenerative farming practices aligns perfectly with our values, providing the best care for our animals.
My husband, Stuart, who also works full-time outside the farm, has been instrumental in shaping the land for the well-being of our flock. He has planted trees not only for shade but also to provide additional natural forage, including apples and willow. His efforts also extend to ensuring the animals' comfort, with field shelters in every pasture and plans for a new barn to be built in 2025. Despite his full-time job, his dedication to the farm is unwavering, ensuring the goats and sheep thrive in a rich, supportive environment.
Our animals are the centre of not just our business, but also our lives. We’re deeply committed to giving them the best care, and they will always retire here on the farm. Their happiness and health are what make Goatherdess truly special, and we’re proud to reflect this in every garment we create.