6 March 2015

The chilly weather had the First Minister stop in at Wonky Woolies to check out its fine range of hats.

Founded in 2012 and owned by Alison Burn, the Glasgow-based bespoke bobble hat maker has increased turnover by 35% each year to date and now exports to the United States of America, Japan and Europe.

Wonky Woolies hats have been worn in the TV show, Moone Boy, and the firm also works with Warner Records to design and make custom hats for two Scottish bands – Biffy Clyro and Frightened Rabbit.

Woohoo! Made the @TheScotsman today with @ScotGovFM @NicolaSturgeon trying on her new hat 😀 #handmade #Glasgow pic.twitter.com/cBVGojpiUm

— Wonky Woolies (@WonkyWoolies) March 9, 2015

While there, the First Minister said getting more females into leading roles in business would help drive economic growth in Scotland

The visit also marked International Women’s Day and this year’s theme was ‘Make It Happen’, which the First Minister said Alison had done. She said:

“She was taught to knit by her mother, saw a gap in the market and put her skills to good use – she’s now looking to expand and grow her business. She is a role model for other women who harbour a dream to have their own business and be their own boss.”