A Moray knitting shop which provides training places for adults with learning disabilities was officially opened yesterday.
In Stiches brings together the Previous Start to Knit project which offered unique products such as schoolbags, personalised gym bags and gifts for babies.
The shop which has just moved to 15 High Street, Elgin, is run by Moray Reach Out in Partnership with Moray Council and has recently branched out into embroidered gifts.
The idea for this was brought about when project co-ordinator Shirley Nicoll struggled to find items for her grandchildren with their names on it.
Moray MSP Richard Lochhead unveiled an embroidered plaque yesterday which takes pride of place in the shop entrance.
One of the trainees Isobel Rees also presented a framed embroidered plaque to Mr Lochhead for his office on behalf of Moray Reach Out.
Mr Lochhead said: “I was delighted to be able to congratulate one of our most active social enterprises in Moray that provides training opportunities and other services for people with learning disabilities.
“The clients I spoke to clearly find this new project extremely valuable and rewarding. I am also impressed by the way in which this initiative has a shop front in the centre of Elgin to allow the public to not only buy the innovative products designed and made there, but to learn a bit more about the good work carried out by everyone involved.”
Lloyd Watt, one of the trustees on the board of directors, gave some information about the background of Moray Reach Out which also runs Buckie Yarns and has 25 training places for adults with learning disabilities.
Shona Radojkovic, business development manager, said: “Staff, volunteers and trainees are all very excited about the prospects the project offers and are enjoying learning new skills.”