The Crannog Concept Limited, a Fort William-based business involved in the catching, processing and serving of fresh fish, is set to expand with help from the Local Enterprise Company.

Lochaber Limited, part of the Highlands and Islands Enterprise network, has awarded the company a development grant worth £7,600 to help them launch a new range of value added, ready-made meals. The funding will help towards the purchase of packing, testing and labelling machinery as well as the associated marketing costs to launch the new range. The ready-made, luxury seafood dishes are being aimed at a niche market and will be sold through The Bagel Factory outlets and various other independent delicatessens.

Fisherman and architect, Finlay Finlayson who saw an integrated approach to fishing, cooking and marketing as an opportunity to diversify his fishing business, founded Crannog Limited in 1986. The business has evolved since then to comprise a smokehouse, a restaurant in Fort William, a pier shop and a cruise boat offering seal trips to visitors.

The business currently employs 42 full and part-time staff and the expansion into the ready-made meals market is set to create a further three jobs at the company's premises at the Blar Mhor Industrial Estate in Fort William.

Operational manager, Allan Brown said: "The assistance from Lochaber Limited has been vital for the development of Crannog. With their help we have achieved Investors In People status and now, with these new projects, we can fulfil our commitments to supply seafood ready-made meals to a national chain of restaurants. We are also able to help develop our staff by offering them training so they can achieve relevant vocational qualifications."

Chief executive at Lochaber Limited, Jackie Wright said: "Traditional industries such as fishing and agriculture are increasingly having to diversify their activities in order to remain competitive.

"Encouraging e-commerce is a priority for Lochaber Limited and fresh and smoked Crannog produce is already available via their web-site. The new ready-made meals range will be available in the same way, exposing The Crannog Concept and the Lochaber area to a global audience and helping to put the area on the food map of Europe."