A MELROSE based designer has rubbed shoulders with royalty at an event staged to promote careers in Scotland’s fashion and textiles industry.

Cashmere designer Rosie Sugden took part in the Stitch in Time textiles event which was attended by more than 500 visitors – including 300 school pupils.

And amongst the special guests at the event in Cumnock’s Dumfries House was Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla.

The royal couple took time to view the various exhibitors’ designs.

And Rosie’s innovative luxury cashmere collection proved particularly popular with Charles.

Rosie Sugden founded her eponymous label in 2011.

The graduate in Knitwear Design, is regularly featured in top fashion magazines and she has designed exclusive collections for Anthropologie, Liberty, Harrods and Net-a-Porter.

Prince Charles, HRH The Duke of Rothesay, was full of enthusiasm for the Stitch in Time festival and the revival in traditional skills.

He said: “The deficit in traditional sewing skills was brought to my attention a couple of years ago and led to the establishment of the Future Textiles programme at Dumfries House.

“In order to safeguard this vital and precious part of our economy in future years, we must address the endemic skills shortage that exists in many parts of the industry and ensure that young people are aware of the wonderful and rewarding opportunities for employment and long-term career prospects.”