A political and cultural storm has erupted in Scotland's northern isles over the portrayal of traditional knitting techniques on a new Channel 4 reality show hosted by Olympic diver Tom Daley.
The Controversy Unravels
Shetland's Liberal Democrat MSP Beatrice Wishart has written directly to Channel 4's interim chief executive Jonathan Allan, expressing serious concerns about how the broadcaster's programme Game of Wool: Britain's Best Knitter depicted Fair Isle knitting patterns. The controversy began when the show's first episode featured what local knitting experts claim were inaccurate representations of their cherished craft.
The Shetland Organisation for Knitters (SOK) asserted that the programme perpetuated 'negative misconceptions' about their artisan skills. They highlighted that contestants were given 'imperfectly modified needles' to work with, while many designs accepted as Fair Isle knitting were actually more accurately described as general stranded colourwork.
Community Backlash and Political Action
Ms Wishart's intervention goes beyond mere criticism. She has formally invited Daley and the production team to 'come to Shetland and seriously engage with the Shetland knitting community', offering her office's assistance to facilitate the visit. In her letter, she emphasised that the episode represented 'a missed opportunity to accurately demonstrate and showcase the beloved tradition of Fair Isle knitting'.
The political response has been substantial. Wishart has tabled a motion in the Scottish Parliament urging it to 'note with regret the misrepresentation of Fair Isle knitting'. The cultural significance of this issue is underscored by the technique's history dating back to the 18th century, when fishermen's wives would knit colourful garments to keep their husbands warm at sea.
Financial Support and Channel 4's Response
The local knitting community has responded with remarkable organisation and determination. Shetland's Organisation for Knitters has launched an online fundraising campaign that raised more than £17,000 within just two days, with an ultimate goal of £40,000. The funds aim to educate both locals and visitors about authentic Shetland knitting techniques, countering what they describe as inaccurate information that harms both learning and Shetland's reputation.
Channel 4 has defended its programme, stating it holds Shetland's knitting culture 'in the highest regard'. A spokesman explained that the challenge asked amateur knitters 'to reimagine a Fair Isle knit' with a modern twist that acknowledged and celebrated traditional techniques. They described Game of Wool as an entertainment series enjoyed by both knitters and non-knitters, hoping it encourages more people to take up the craft.
However, the Shetland Stitch Club has demanded an apology and suggested Channel 4 might consider commissioning a documentary about real Fair Isle knitting as a way to make amends for what many in the community see as cultural appropriation and misrepresentation of their centuries-old tradition.
