Highgrove Heritage Collection
A collaboration between Johnstons of Elgin and Highgrove, the private residence and gardens of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
At the heart of the collection is the Highgrove Heritage Scarf, crafted from Ultrafine Australian Merino Wool and available in three nature-inspired hues. Each scarf reflects a shared commitment to craftsmanship, responsibility and the natural world.
The warm honey element of the original design takes its cue from the bees of Highgrove Gardens, a symbol that also a large part of Johnstons of Elgin. The bee has featured in our emblem since the 1930s, representing the skill and dedication of our craftspeople. Our Elgin weaving mill even keeps its own beehive, with honey used in our on-site café, Weavers. You can learn about our bees here.
Highgrove House & Gardens
Highgrove Gardens surround the much-loved private residence of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Managed organically and sustainably, the gardens have been shaped by The King’s artistic vision for more than 40 years and welcome around 30,000 visitors between April and October each year. They remain a haven for flora and fauna and are now managed by The King’s Foundation.
Behind the Design
Launched in 2021 to coincide with the Campaign for Wool’s 11th year and COP26, the Highgrove Heritage design weaves elements of nature into the heart of its composition. The design places the iconic Prince of Wales Check over an enlarged Shepherd Check, creating an aesthetic that celebrates the history of traditional checks and tweeds. The Shepherd Check is the foundation of all checks, originally coloured from undyed wool using the black, dark browns and whites of the wool clip, and woven into shawls worn by Border shepherds. The next of the original checks was the Prince of Wales Check, created by King Edward VII during his time in Scotland as Prince of Wales. The Highgrove Heritage Scarf is a modern interpretation of these historic designs. The scarves are based on the original Highgrove Heritage pattern and are available in Green with Grey or Grey.
Tracing the Fibre
The Highgrove Heritage Scarf is made using Ultrafine Australian Merino Wool. We have been working with Australian Merino for generations; you can read more about our partnerships with Australian Merino farmers on our Sustainability hub. The first Merino sheep were introduced to Australia in 1797, the same year Johnstons of Elgin was established. At the same time, Highgrove was under construction, reaching completion in 1798.