Eriskay Jersey

 

The Herring Girls  

Link TO THE Herring Girls on fishing page and then a link to Eriskay Jerseys. 

During the herring season, women and girls, known as The Herring Girls, from various areas across the Highlands and Islands, including Eriskay, were employed as Herring Gutters. They followed the herring fleet from Shetland down to Great Yarmouth, with the Island girls being highly sought after for their reputation as skilled workers. Despite their hard work, the pay was meager, and they endured squalid living conditions. 

The 1901 census recorded 57 women and girls from Eriskay engaged in herring work.  The fisherfolk of Eriskay were always knitting jumpers in their spare time. 

As they waited for the fishermen to return with an abundant catch of herring, the Herring Girls, coming from different parts of Scotland, would pass the time by knitting. Their knitting skills were so great that they could confidently knit while walking down the street, without needing to refer to their patterns!  Each had their own knitting patterns.  However, one Eriskay Herring Girl admired these diverse patterns she observed from knitters in other fishing communities and decided to incorporate them all into one jersey.  This innovative approach resulted in the creation of the the now famous Eriskay Jersey, symbolising the island's knitting tradition, making it a unique and cherished garment that is still treasured to this day.

Each knitter or family had their own distinct patterns, reflecting the lifestyle and culture of their family. For example, a crofter or fisherman would incorporate patterns related to crofting or fishing into their jerseys. This individualized approach means there is no set pattern within the jersey. Furthermore, these unique patterns served a practical purpose in identifying a sailor if he drowned, as each family's jersey had its own distinctive pattern, aiding in the identification process.

 

The renowned Eriskay Jersey is a traditional style of island knitting, known worldwide as a gansey, meticulously hand-knitted by a select group of skilled island women. These garments embody centuries of knitting tradition, passed down through generations, and are cherished for their warmth, durability, and intricate designs.

 

Traditionally knitted in classic navy for use while working on the crofts or when fishing, and in cream wool for Sundays or dress wear, these garments carried both practicality and tradition in their colour choices.  

This seamless garment is hand-knitted with distinct 13-stitch panels, knitted on four pins. Woven into every stitch is the essence of Eriskay's crofting and maritime culture, with patterns and motifs reflecting island life and its seafaring history. 

The unique construction method involves grafting the sleeves from the shoulder down, rather than sewing, ensuring durability in the harsh conditions of the Outer Hebrides. Knitting the sleeves down also made repairs easier. Since the jersey was workwear, the cuffs often became worn out from the wearer's hard work with hooks, nets, knives, and equipment. However, thanks to the design and skill of the knitters, the jersey could be repaired from the cuff upwards. This prevented the need to discard the garment or patch it up, resulting in a longer-lasting garment. 

 

Each Eriskay Jersey bears an individual pattern, serving not only as a source of warmth and protection but also as a means of identification for fishermen lost at sea. This tradition, passed down from mother to daughter through generations, is a testament to the enduring craftsmanship and love woven into each jersey.

 

Owning and wearing an Eriskay Jersey is a cherished privilege, symbolising our rich cultural heritage and the skilled craftsmanship of the Eriskay community. These garments are more than just clothing; they are symbols of resilience, tradition, and the enduring bond between the island's knitters and their fishermen/crofting husbands.

Eriskay Jerseys are more than garments – they are pieces of living history, treasured by those who wear them and admired by all who appreciate remarkable skill to create these hand-knitted garments. They are a real labour of love to make, and the ladies rightly take pride in their jerseys.

The Eriskay Jersey is not just a piece of clothing; it is a symbol of resilience, community, and the enduring bond between knitters and fishermen.

Eriskay knitting was often accompanied by prayers for the individual who was going to wear it - a tradition common among many religious communities. Knitters find solace while knitting, viewing it as a form of therapy and mindfulness. It provides them with time to reflect and gather their thoughts, aligning with the emphasis on mindfulness and wellbeing prevalent today.

 

Originally worn as fisherman's workwear, the Eriskay jersey is now experiencing a revival in popularity as a fashionable garment.  Co Chomunn Eirisgeidh, the Eriskay community owned shop, has a long waiting list for our numerous bespoke jerseys sold each year, and also sought after across the world, including in America, Canada, China, Australia, and many other countries. TV programs featuring personalities like Ben Fogle, who often wears his Eriskay Jersey, along with the Peter May Trilogy of Hebridean-based fiction novels including 'The Blackhouse,' 'The Lewisman,' and 'The Chessmen,' have contributed to their global recognition.

In 2022, there was only one Eriskay knitter of the jersey, prompting Comann Eachdraidh Eirisgeidh to take action. Recognising the importance of preserving this skill and tradition, we organised an Eriskay Jersey Workshop.  

These workshops were led by a current Eriskay Jersey knitter, and a retired knitter with decades of experience and interesting stories. One story tells of her learning process under the guidance of her neighbour, Bean Pheadar.  After knitting several rows at home, she would return to Bean Pheadar for examination. To her disappointment, any mistakes were swiftly sorted by unravelling the knitting to the mistake and restarting the pattern. This careful way of learning helped the knitter become an expert, making perfect jumpers without any mistakes.

We were pleasantly surprised by the strong turnout at the workshop, which was well-attended by local knitters. It provided a valuable opportunity to communicate with other knitters while being taught how to knit the Eriskay Jersey, ensuring that this traditional continues to thrive for generations to come.  We have held a further two workshops and hope this will be a regular occurrence once we have a permanent base in our new Ionad Eilean na h-Oige development when complete. We've since held two more well attended workshops, with plans for regular events once our new Ionad Eilean nah-Òige development. Additionally, we're exploring ways to share this skill with those unable to attend in person, so stay tuned for updates.

Co Chomunn Eirisgeidh is the local community-owned shop located on Eriskay. The Eriskay shop has always played a central role in facilitating orders for Eriskay Jerseys.