Manufacturer and retailer of cashmere accessories and knitwear, Johnstons Cashmere has been named Scottish textiles brand of the year at the third annual Scottish Fashion Awards.

Johnstons, which has manufacturing facilities in both Elgin and knitwear town Hawick, was awarded the prestigious title at a glittering ceremony and gala dinner in Stirling Castle, which was attended by a host of designers and celebrities.

The fashion directors of British Vogue, Kate Phelan and The Daily Telegraph’s Hilary Alexander were among the judges who voted Johnstons Brand of the Year, and leaders in the specialist field of cashmere, textile design and manufacturing.

Linny Oliphant, Johnstons Brand Manager and Susan Priestly-Cooper, Johnstons Design Director collected the award for Johnstons at Stirling Castle. Christopher Kane, who designs for Johnstons, was also among the winners and named Scottish Designer of the Year. It was also revealed at the ceremony that Scotland is to form a dedicated style council, made up of supermodels and top fashion designers, in a bid to showcase the country's talent around the world.

Johnstons manufacturing facility in Elgin weaves cashmere scarves and knits cashmere gloves on a modern plant of Shima Seiki glove knitting machines. The company has recently been investing in Shima’s SWG041 Mini Wholegarment machines for patterned gloves and accessories. Johnstons’ factory in Hawick produces knitwear and accessories on Shima SES and SWG-V machines in a range of gauges from 3 to 18. Johnstons report that their factories are currently extremely busy.