Harris Tweed production has risen 275% over the last five years following a decades-long slump.

More than 1.7 million metres of cloth were produced last year, compared to just 455,000 metres in 2009.

At its height in in the sixties more than 1000 weavers worked to produce 7.5 million metres of tweed every year.

But sales fell into decline in the eighties due to a lack of demand and an increase in cheaply-made imitation fabrics.

Harris Tweed has enjoyed a revival in recent years as a luxury fashion brand and driven a dramatic increase in production at the islands' three mills.

Brian Wilson, chairman of Harris Tweed Hebrides, the largest mill in the Western Isles, said: "We probably account for about 75% of Harris Tweed production and our order books are good.

"But every year is a new challenge, there will be no resting on laurels and we'll continue to invest. We had another strong year last year and we expect to do well in future."

The number of orders from the UK have increased significantly, according to Harris Tweed Authority figures.

Fashion designer Margaret Howell, who regularly works with Harris Tweed, said: "A lover of wild open spaces, I feel an empathy with Harris Tweed.

"Weaving on hand looms creates a depth and complexity of texture that can't be imitated by a mechanical process.

"The resilient wool, the designs in earthy colours - reflect the landscape, the climate and the skills of the local people who produce it."

Iconic brand

Only cloth hand-woven from virgin wool by the islanders of Lewis, Harris, Uist and Barra can be called Harris Tweed.

Harris Tweed's iconic orb trademark was recently recognised as a coat of arms after more than a century of use.

The Lord Lyon gave permission for the orb to be used as the industry's official seal, further protecting the brand from copycats.

It first appeared on clothing in 1911 and is the longest continuously used certification trademark in the world.