A new rocking horse workshop in Scotland is to be established on the remote West Coast Island of Eigg, providing two new jobs.

Local woman Tasha Fyffe and fiancée Brigg Lancaster are setting up their new business in the former tea-room at the island's pier. Brigg, having learnt his wood crafting skills from his father, will make the rocking horses while Tasha will do the finishing work such as painting and making the tack. Tasha also intends to learn to carve the rocking horses for herself. The duo will create rocking horses in a variety of sizes and models, using quality hardwoods with a full leather saddle and bridle, real horsehair and brass fittings with a traditional dappled or varnished finish.

Tasha and Brigg plan to make several exhibition horses during the first few months of their new venture for display in galleries, craft fairs and trade exhibitions in a bid to win orders.

Traditional wooden toys and products have grown in popularity in recent years and the duo are already planning to expand the business by diversifying into rocking chairs, cradles and spinning wheels.

The innovative project will allow Tasha and Brigg to remain on the Island of Eigg, which was bought by the local community in 1997. Employment opportunities on the island are limited but by establishing their own business they have created jobs for themselves and will also provide the island with another tourist attraction.

The workshop is being supported by Lochaber Limited, part of the Highlands and Islands Enterprise network, with a funding package worth £2500 (pounds) and a Business Start-Up grant of £1820 (pounds). The pair have also received assistance through the Princes Scottish Youth Business Trust (PYSTB) with a grant and loan package.

Tasha Fyffe said: "It is a wonderful opportunity to be able to create a business of this nature in the Highlands and we are grateful for the help we have received from Lochaber Limited and the Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust. We are delighted that the project can now go ahead and that we both have full-time employment which would otherwise be difficult."

Chief executive at Lochaber Limited, Jackie Wright said: "It is important to keep young people in Scotland's rural and island communities but employment opportunities are often limited which is why we have to actively encourage and create opportunities for young people in these areas. We are delighted to be able to assist Tasha and Brigg set up their unique business on a unique island and we wish them every success."

Dot Ferguson, The Highland Council's area development manager said: "Tasha and Brigg have developed this idea, not only by building on their own interests but also by researching the marketplace well and establishing that this type of business can be run successfully from their island home.

"The PSYTB shares their belief in this potential and the grant awarded will help them purchase the equipment necessary for the start up of the business."