Gordon and Sheila Covell, Islay, Scotland

Sep 28 2002 By Peter Hinchliffe, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Gordon and Sheila, who have relatives in the Huddersfield area, are featured in an American TV programme called Simply The Best, which will be broadcast later this year. The aim of the programme is to highlight the very best of a wide range of products.

Islay Mills produces a wide range of fabric for rugs, caps, scarves and jackets, among other things. The mill produced cloth for a jacket for Prince Edward. Its products are featured on its website, www.islaywoollenmill.co.uk

Gordon and Sheila live on a farm in a remote part of Islay, a mile from the nearest road, two miles away from the nearest neighbour. They rent their home from the Schroeder banking family, who have a large estate on the island.

They are keen gardeners and live contentedly with two dogs, three cats and a flock of chickens. Gordon at one time was a keen horseman, riding to hounds with the Rockwood Hunt.

When will he retire from the mill?

"Never," he says emphatically. "I love Islay, and I love my work."

The Covells' e-mail address is mills@islaywoollenmill.co.uk