Exploring deserted beaches, close-up encounters with wildlife and a chance to spend an adventurous holiday in the fresh air are just some of the attractions on offer from the latest business to set-up on the Island of Barra in the Western Isles.

Clearwater Paddling has been established by Chris Denehy to offer sea-kayaking tours around the coast of Barra and its surrounding islands.

The new business will also include the provision of hostel accommodation for tour customers and other visitors.

The £38,000 project is being assisted with an investment of £12,600 from Western Isles Enterprise (WIE), which includes £5,000 from the European funded HIE-Activity programme.

Chris Denehy's wife, Kate, was brought up on Barra and the couple recently returned to live on the island. Chris has extensive experience of sea-kayaking, having organised a number of tours to Norway. He also holds instructor qualifications from the Scottish Canoe Association in both kayak and open canoe.

The hostel will be established in a house the couple own on the sea-shore - near the centre of Castlebay. Once completed it will include two rooms for four people, and two family rooms. Although it will provide accommodation for non-canoeing visitors - Barra currently has no other hostel-type provision - it is anticipated that most residents will be those involved in the kayaking holidays.

The Denehy's investment will also include the purchase of four double kayaks and two single boats, as well as the necessary safety equipment and it is expected that the businesses will create the equivalent of 1.5 full time jobs.

Chris Denehy said: "Barra is a magnificent location for sea-kayaking, surrounded as it is by the clean waters of the Atlantic. Because the kayaks are so quiet visitors can often get much closer to wildlife, such as otters and sea eagles, than they would otherwise be able to.

"We will be able to offer people a challenging and relaxing break tailored to their own requirements."

The company already has a website providing more details of the kayaking breaks at www.clearwaterpaddling.com

WIE chief executive Donnie Macaulay said: "This is a good example of a business which is making the most of the islands' unspoiled natural environment and aiming to provide a quality experience for visitors.

"Increasingly people are looking for activity holidays and the islands are ideally placed to benefit from this."