Key Highlights
- Shetland’s Lib Dem MSP Beatrice Wishart expresses ‘extreme disappointment’ over the new Channel 4 show “Game of Wool.”
- The Shetland Organisation of Knitters (SOK) has accused the show of spreading negative misconceptions about Fair Isle knitting techniques.
- A contestant was voted off the show for cutting his knitting, which SOK argues is a safe technique and not representative of Fair Isle methods.
- Wishart writes to Channel 4 interim chief executive Jonathan Allan to address the misrepresentations in the show.
The Controversy Over “Game of Wool”: A Knitting Show Sparks Dispute with Shetland’s Knitters Community
Shetland’s Liberal Democrat Member of Scottish Parliament (Lib Dem MSP) Beatrice Wishart has voiced her ‘extreme disappointment’ over the new Channel 4 show, “Game of Wool,” which premiered on November 5, 2025. The controversy arises from alleged misrepresentations and negative misconceptions about Fair Isle knitting techniques, as highlighted by local knitting groups.
Local Knitters Accuse Show of Misinformation
The Shetland Organisation of Knitters (SOK) has come forward with concerns over the first episode of “Game of Wool: Britain’s Best Knitter.” According to SOK, the show presented Fair Isle knitting in a way that was both misleading and disrespectful. The organization stated it had been left “shocked and saddened” by how Fair Isle knitting techniques were portrayed.
One specific incident highlighted by SOK involved a contestant named Gordon Cree, who was voted off the show for cutting his knitting. This decision, made by judges, is seen as particularly controversial because SOK argues that cutting is a safe technique used in Fair Isle knitting and not representative of the method typically employed.
Wishart’s Letter to Channel 4
In response to these concerns, Beatrice Wishart has written a formal letter to Jonathan Allan, interim chief executive of Channel 4. The letter details the misrepresentations and asks for a public acknowledgment of these inaccuracies. Wishart emphasizes that such portrayals are “especially disheartening from a UK-based show meant to encourage more people to take up knitting.”
“Fair Isle knitting has for too long been misrepresented the world over,” stated Wishart. “It makes it especially frustrating that a TV programme for a UK audience made by a Scottish production company would fall into a similar pattern.” The politician further pointed out issues such as misspelling the isle’s name and incorrect references to Fair Isle as “Fair Aisle” in previous press releases.
Invitation for Collaboration
While expressing her disappointment, Wishart also extended an invitation to Channel 4. She stated that if the show wished to come to Shetland and seriously engage with the local knitting community, it would be “greatly appreciated.” Wishart added, “Lots of people have a passion for knitting and there was a sense of excitement and optimism about this new show which was sadly dashed on its first outing.”
“I would welcome a public acknowledgement of the misrepresentations in the show,” she concluded. “I am sure that it would be greatly appreciated if the show came to Shetland to seriously engage with the skilled and creative Shetland knitting community.” This statement reflects both the disappointment and an open invitation for future collaboration, highlighting the complex relationship between media representation and local communities.
