THE launch of the official Ryder Cup Harris Tweed collection, complete with plus fours, sees a return of the unique Hebridean fabric to the golf course.

As old black-and-white films testify, Harris Tweed has a long golfing pedigree and was worn by many of the great players of an earlier era as well as legions of enthusiasts of the game.

More recently it has found fresh and more fashionable commercial fields from American motorcycle jackets to up-market ladies' bags and hotel furnishings.

But ahead of this year's encounter between Europe and the USA on the fairways and greens of Greneagles, Harris Tweed Hebrides went to the competition's venue to launch its new wares.

The company, from Shawbost, on Lewis, unveiled a stylish 25-piece collection that includes classic men's and ladies' hacking jackets (£300) and plus fours (£150), "Carnoustie Caps" (£40), and a selection of accessories at Gleneagles yesterday.

Its partner is established Edinburgh-based retailer Walker Slater, and between them they say they have produces "an exquisite limited edition range of products" that will be sold online at Rydercup.com and at selected outlets including Walker Slater.

The tweed will also be cut into the uniform for the Junior Ryder Cup team who will play a curtain-raiser to the main event which starts on September 23 at Gleneagles.

Harris Tweed Hebrides' creative director Mark Hogarth said: "Our team was set the challenge of creating a tweed that complements the Ryder Cup official tartan but that also represents the unique blues of the Hebrides."