A Mull couple are cruising to success with the purchase of a second vessel for their diving and marine tourism charters. Mark Henrys and Hannah Thompson who operate Northern Light say the new boat will help to meet growing demand for their services and create three new jobs in the process.

Marine tourism is flourishing with visitors attracted to Scotland's islands and coastal areas to see the vast and diverse range of wildlife and to take part in water sports and fishing. Northern Light, which already employs four staff, operates from Mull providing dive charters and wildlife watching trips.

Set up five years ago with a single vessel 'Chalice', Northern Light has earned a reputation for offering high quality diving holidays and marine wildlife tours. They are fully booked for this year and are already taking bookings for 2001.

Their new boat, 'Poplar Diver', a former lifeboat which is associated with a contract to run National Trust volunteers to St Kilda, will allow the couple to dedicate one vessel to each strand of the business.

Argyll and the Islands Enterprise (AIE), part of the Highlands and Islands Enterprise network, are helping Northern Light to grow with a Business Development Grant worth £20,000 (pounds) towards the £151,000 (pounds) expansion of the business.

Hannah Thompson of Northern Light said: "We have seen increasing public interest in the Western Isles of Scotland, particularly St Kilda, since we started running 'Chalice' in 1995. The purchase of the long range, ex-lifeboat Poplar Diver, assisted by AIE, has enabled us to expand to meet market demand."

Chief executive at AIE, Ken Abernethy said: "Northern Light is setting very high standards and its expansion will have spin-off benefits for accommodation providers and holiday attractions on Mull, as well as creating new jobs.

"Marine recreation is a growing sector within the tourism industry and is an area that AIE has promoted vigorously, with annual visits to the London International Boat Show to demonstrate the high quality environment and food products of Argyll and the Islands."