Meet Ryvoan, Timeless Scottish Knitwear with a Highland Spirit
When we think of the Highlands, it’s often the landscapes that come to mind first, sweeping moorland, rugged mountains, shifting skies. But woven through these places is another kind of heritage, Scottish knitwear, a craft that has long provided warmth, comfort and identity to communities across the country.
At Òr, we’re dedicated to supporting Scotland’s makers and celebrating the traditions they carry forward. From loom-woven Orkney Cloth to Hilary Grant’s specialist Japanese machinery, and innovators like Donna Wilson who has revitalised the industry through her micro-knit factory, we’re proud to showcase the breadth of talent that thrives here.
Photos by @hannahmorrisphoto
For us, it isn’t just about beautiful clothing. It’s about sustaining craft, supporting livelihoods, and keeping stories alive. That’s why we were so excited to discover Ryvoan, a knitwear label founded by designer Kirsty Campbell.
Ryvoan, Knitwear Shaped by the Cairngorms
Kirsty is based in Edinburgh, but her work is inspired by the Cairngorms, landscapes she knows well and continues to draw from. Each jumper is handmade on a domestic knitting machine, seams carefully linked, then washed to give that wonderfully comfortable finish.
By incorporating undyed yarns and keeping production deliberately small, Ryvoan embraces a slower, more sustainable approach to fashion. It’s the kind of ethos that really resonates with us at Òr, and we’re delighted to extend our knitwear collection from accessories into one-size jumpers that feel versatile, timeless and above all, made to last.
A Chat with Kirsty Campbell, Founder of Ryvoan
We caught up with Kirsty to learn more about her inspirations and her process.
What first sparked the idea for Ryvoan and how did you bring it to life?
In my final few years studying at Glasgow School of Art, I specialised in knitted textiles. I had always loved Scottish knitwear, so I wanted to learn how to knit myself a jumper on a domestic knitting machine. I didn’t really follow a pattern and just made it up as I went along, using techniques I’d learned on my course. I loved the process and the hands-on feel so much that I started making more for family and friends, and it sort of grew from there. After graduating I began working for an Edinburgh based knitwear company, which was a huge source of inspiration and learning. The practical experience from this job was extremely helpful when I decided to focus fully on Ryvoan.
Photos by @hannahmorrisphoto
The Cairngorms are such a big influence for you. Do you have a favourite place or season there that always inspires your designs?
That’s a tricky one! I love Loch Garten near Nethy Bridge, it’s one of my favourite spots for swimming and camping, and the view onto Meall a’ Bhuachaille is very special. But I think it would have to be the mountains on the Deeside side of the Cairngorms. Those are my home hills and munros. The area around Lochnagar and the native Ballochbuie Forest is, to me, the most beautiful part of Scotland.
Autumn would definitely be my favourite season, the colours are so vibrant and it’s when I feel most inspired to create new designs. The Highlands are so full of ever-changing colours, and I hope to capture some of that richness and diversity in my designs connecting people to these beautiful landscapes. I also want people to feel a connection to the piece itself: knowing where it came from, how it was made, and the story behind it. So much clothing today feels disconnected from its origins, and I try to do the opposite.
Beyond the landscape, what has been the most meaningful influence on your knitting?
A huge influence on my designs and knitting has always been my Aunty Helen. She’s a landscape painter by trade, but also an incredibly talented hand knitter. She used to sell her hand-knits from her home in Tomintoul in the Cairngorms. Now living in Deeside she has a continuous stack of knitting projects on the go for her grandkids. She’s taught me so much over the years, and she’s always my first point of contact when I need help choosing colours or advice with knitting.
Photos by @hannahmorrisphoto
How do you find that balance between comfort and durability with your knitwear?
I think it’s really important that clothing feels comfortable but it’s also practical for everyday life. Even though most of my pieces are handmade, I don’t want people to feel they have to be too precious with them. Wool is such a resilient fibre, and I design simple, casual styles so people can wear them for all sorts of activities. There’s nothing worse than owning something you love but feeling like you can’t actually wear it!
As an independent maker, what do you love about working in small batches?
Working in small batches and making to order means I don’t overproduce, and I can focus on knitting pieces people want. It also gives me the space to carefully curate colours and styles each season, changing things up a few times a year at my own pace. I feel so lucky to be in Scotland with access to such beautiful locally milled yarns.
We believe in supporting our Scottish traditions passed down through generations and doing all we can to provide a platform for small-batch, independent makers to do the same. Our knitwear heritage is part of that story, and with Ryvoan, Kirsty Campbell is adding a new chapter.
Discover Ryvoan at Òr here.
