A totally unique business, located in a remote part of Skye is moving into the 'premier league' with help from Skye and Lochalsh Enterprise (SALE). Football fan Alexander Graham compiles, produces and sells statistical soccer books and is preparing to expand the business by purchasing specialist new equipment.

SALE, part of the Highlands and Islands Enterprise network, has awarded Mr Graham a development grant worth £7,200 to buy a computer system and document centre allowing him to increase production and begin e-commerce trading.

Mr Graham established Skye Soccer Books in March 1989, gathering information from magazines, football associations and personal contacts. He has produced books about football teams in Europe, Asia, Oceania and South and Central America, which are sold all over the world to sports commentators, enthusiasts and media editors via mail order, or through three specialist shops in Cleethorpes, Paris and Luxembourg.

The new computer and document centre will help Mr Graham improve efficiency by allowing books to be printed, as required, direct from the computer. As well as saving time, the system will result in a significant increase in output.

The development of the business will create new employment in a particularly fragile part of Skye. It is anticipated that within a few years, Mr Graham will employ at least two members of staff to help with the production of his sought after books.

Local internet consultants and web designers, Gael.net are developing a Skye Soccer Books website through their Shoperate system. The internet access will also provide Mr Graham with another method of gathering statistics.

Mr Graham said: "The new computer and document centre are going to radically change the way I work and the prospect of e-commerce trading is particularly exciting for me. I am hoping that the website will increase the demand for my soccer books and having been doing mail order for years, it seems a logical step to start trading electronically."

Graham Campbell, development manager at SALE said: "Mr Graham has successfully turned an unusual hobby into a professionally run and profitable business and he is set to create valuable, year-round employment in a particularly fragile area of the island. Growing businesses in Skye and Lochalsh are extremely important to the area's economy and the more diverse a range of businesses the better."