From Lab Coats to Lambs: The Journey of a
Scientist Turned Goatherdess
Nestled on a windswept hillside near the Highlands, where ancient trees stand sentinel and the rugged beauty of nature endures, lies a small farm—a sanctuary for rare breeds and the birthplace of Goatherdess, a fashion brand with sustainability at its heart. Its creator, Polly, has stitched together an extraordinary journey, weaving science, artistry, and compassion into a tale as enduring as the landscape she calls home.
Polly’s career began in the world of science, where she immersed herself in research, clad in lab coats and working in sterile, precise environments. Yet, amid the hum of laboratory instruments, she felt a growing sense of disconnection. A deep, unshakable longing to reconnect with nature and create something meaningful.
Her turning point came during her years in London, where the vibrant energy of the city inspired her to explore a new path. Deciding to merge her analytical mind with her creative instincts, Polly enrolled at the London College of Fashion, undertaking a Bachelor of Science in Womenswear Fashion with a specialization in bridalwear. The program allowed her to combine technical precision with the artistry of design, and it ignited a passion for creating garments that were timeless, elegant, and steeped in emotion.
In 2012, life took a new turn when Polly’s husband secured a position in Aberdeen. The couple relocated to a small farm nestled in the hills, where their lives would intertwine with the rhythm of the land. It was here, surrounded by dramatic skies and the gentle hum of nature, that Polly embraced a more sustainable way of living.
Her first three Angora goats arrived soon after—a gift to herself and a catalyst for transformation. Their shimmering fleece, soft as clouds, sparked an idea: Could these animals, and their rare, luxurious fibre, be the cornerstone of a sustainable fashion brand? Polly began experimenting with mohair, blending her newfound rural life with the technical skills she’d honed in London.
What began as a small experiment soon grew into a labour of love. Polly researched historical techniques for processing mohair, eventually creating a faux fur fabric that redefined luxury. Starting with bridal and evening garments, she used mohair to craft boleros and jackets with a softness and sheen that rivaled real fur but with none of its ethical compromises.
In the years that followed, Polly’s vision expanded. Her brand, Goatherdess, became a platform for celebrating the beauty of rare breeds and the power of sustainable fashion. The farm became a sanctuary where her flock of rare breed sheep and Angora goats thrived, living out their natural lives with care and respect. Twice yearly, their fleece was gently collected as a gift from the animals.
The pandemic offered Polly a moment to pause and innovate further. She developed tweeds woven from wool and mohair, as well as knitwear designed to span seasons, promoting the idea of timeless wardrobes and reducing waste. Her philosophy resonated with a growing audience seeking meaning and sustainability in what they wore.
Polly’s debut collection "The Buain," Scottish Gaelic for Harvest, was inspired by the Highlands' rugged landscapes and the timeless elegance of the Brontës and Austen. Her designs showcased the depth of Scotland’s natural palette—sage greens, golden creams, and dusky pinks reminiscent of candy floss evening skies. Each garment was a harmonious blend of history, nature, and craftsmanship.
For Polly, the journey from scientist to fashion designer and goatherdess has always been about more than clothes. It’s about giving rare breeds a voice in the 21st century, protecting the environment, and redefining fashion as an industry rooted in care.
In 2025, Polly will invite others into her world through open days on the farm. Visitors will be able to meet the animals, learn about the dyeing and weaving processes, and discover the magic of garments made with love and intention. Just as "farm to fork" has transformed the way we think about our food, Polly believes that her "Goatherdess to Garment" ethos can create the same understanding of where our clothes come from.
As the sun sets over her hillside farm, casting golden light on sheep grazing in the distance, Polly reflects on the journey that brought her here—from the precision of the lab to the creativity of the design studio, and finally to the farm where science and artistry converge. Goatherdess isn’t just a brand; it’s a legacy—a promise to honour the past, protect the present, and inspire a more thoughtful future, one handmade garment at a time.