Island knitter presents Pope with Eriskay jumper

AN ISLAND knitter inspired by the new Pope has realised her dream of presenting him a traditional Eriskay jumper in person.

The jumper being handed over. Picture: Fotografiafelici.com

Marybell MacIntyre, a teacher from South Uist, challenged herself in early 2015 to knit the rare and complex fisherman’s jersey for Pope Francis.

The story of her three-month knitting task culminating in her journey to the Vatican features in a new BBC ALBA documentary tonight.

Only a small group of island women today produce the seamless jumpers, which have an 18-month waiting list from the Eriskay Shop.

Ms MacIntyre, from Bornish, said: “The approach that the new Pope has towards faith is how I feel about my own faith so I felt a connection with him.”

“The Pope’s Eriskay Jumper” is part of MacTV’s Trusadh series on BBC ALBA on Monday at 9.30pm.