Members of British royal family have often sported Harris Tweed garments and their Spanish counterparts are also known fans of the fabric, so there is to be a major promotional push in that country.

The company which has led the revival of the unique Hebridean industry, Harris Tweed Hebrides, sees new opportunities in Spain.

King Felipe and his father, Juan Carlos, have always worn suits made by Jaime Gallo, a tailor in Madrid, who has worked with Harris Tweed since the 1970s.

Former Labour trade minister Brian Wilson, chairman of the the company based at Shawbost on the west of Lewis, believes Harris Tweed could appeal to more in Spain, and not only the more mature:

He said "Our fabrics have traditionally been identified with an older person who liked countryside pursuits. Now we believe there is a younger generation below the age of 40 who, once they get to know our fabrics, will come to like our classic look. In Spain, these are the readers of Hola! or Vanity Fair who admire that pseudo-aristocratic look.

"Another reason for targeting Spain is it is not all about the costas and the Mediterranean heat. It gets pretty cold here and it has weather similar to Britain in many places, especially in Madrid."