Knitting a 'dying art'?

Do we agree that knitting is a 'dying art'?

The traditional art of Shetland knitting and Fair Isle sweaters is under threat in its original home.

Shetland's name is synonymous with Fair Isle and lace knitting and at the moment every pupil on the islands is taught to knit throughout their primary education, giving them a grounding in basic techniques and Fair Isle patterns.

Shetlands Islands Council is possibly the only local authority in Scotland to still offer free knitting classes in primary schools.

They were only introduced in the early 1970s, although previously domestic science teachers had offered some instruction.

It's no doubt true that savings need to be made. Councillor Allison "Flea" Duncan said that "We have to take difficult decisions now and this is the beginning."

However, he went on to say that these classes were being targeted because hand knitting is "unfortunately a dying art".

This is despite Council policy stating that "Knitting is taught... with a view to ensuring the continuation of a traditional craft which has been, is and, hopefully, will be one of the mainstays of Shetland's tripartite traditional economy together with crofting and fishing. ...it would be unthinkable that this craft be allowed to die."

Kathy Coull, who runs a textile workshop on Fair Isle, is worried that the decision to save £130,000 would "wipe out an entire generation of knitters".

It is expected that many of the 14 part-time knitting teachers will retire or be offered work in other areas.