Highland designer Siobhan Mackenzie gets royal call-up as ‘changemaker’
A BLACK Isle designer backed at the start of her career by a charity overseen by King Charles has received the royal call up as part of a new initiative.
The King’s Foundation this week revealed the outcome of the charity’s nationwide search for the next generation of makers and changemakers.
On The King’s Foundation’s 35 under 35 list is Siobhan Mackenzie whose bold leap to follow her passion was originally supported by the youth charity, The Prince’s Trust, when now King Charles was Prince of Wales.
The 35 under 35 network will work with the charity to promote the change the King wants to see in the world as it marks its 35th anniversary.
The former Fortrose Academy pupil already experienced a full circle moment back in 2023 when she was commissioned to produce a bespoke scarf to commemorate King Charles III's visit to the Nigg yard in Easter Ross - a poignant moment for a designer who now has a global profile.
Of her latest honour, Siobhan said: “I’m honoured to be selected as one of The King’s Foundation 35 Under 35. My brand’s ethos—rooted in Scotland and dedicated to celebrating local textiles and heritage craftsmanship—resonates deeply with the values championed by His Majesty King Charles III.
“It’s especially meaningful as my brand was supported by The King’s Trust from its inception. I’m proud to now represent two of His Majesty’s remarkable initiatives, reflecting a shared commitment to heritage, sustainability and innovation.”
The final 35 are described as a network of exceptional young people who represent the change the charity stands for across nature and sustainability, traditional arts and crafts, textiles, architecture and urbanism, health and wellbeing, horticulture and farming.
They will take part in King’s Foundation events throughout the anniversary year and were due to attend a special launch party at the Garrison Chapel, the Foundation’s London exhibition space, this week.
The charity says it “searched for young people who are engaged, active on social media and whose work chimes with our philosophy of harmony”, described as “a universal expression for the order, connection and balance found in nature”.
The harmony philosophy sees everything in nature as interconnected, including ourselves.
It means “taking a holistic approach to the challenges facing our planet, and looking to solve these challenges by working with nature, rather than against her”.
The final 35 get the chance to showcase their specialism and passion at a range of events throughout the year and to visit the charity’s sites across the UK for content gathering and experience days. These include Dumfries House, Highgrove Gardens and the Garrison Chapel.
They will also be spotlighted on the charity’s social media channels and have the chance to network with students, alumni and ambassadors.
Kristina Murrin, chief executive of The King’s Foundation, described “an exceptional group of young people” capable of contributing to the King’s vision for a better future.
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