Harley of Scotland began as a family enterprise, founded in 1929 by Peter Harley Buchan. Their brand is heavily influenced by fair isle knitting techniques, as well as by the local landscapes of the north of Scotland. Their factory is still located on the original factory site, which used to be herring fish yards, a location relevant to their roots of selling fisherman's hosiery socks. Only later did Peter Harley Buchan begin producing and selling Fair Isle knitwear using Shetland wool.