An Islay mother-of-two is expanding her unique textile conservation business, having set up a workshop and office on the island. Sophie Younger occupies a workshop at Islay House Square, near the family home in Bridgend, providing her with a base for her textile conservation practice.

Mrs Younger's work involves the preservation of modern and historic textiles including tapestries, embroideries and carpets. Her recent work has involved her travelling off the island for short contracts for clients including Historic Scotland and Glasgow Museums.

However, the development of the business facilities is allowing Mrs Younger to combine contract work on site (depending on the condition and size of the piece) with conservation work back on Islay. She can offer a broader range of treatments to clients including individuals, owners of stately homes and institutions owning fine textiles.

The new workshop at Islay House Square is being used by Mrs Younger for tasks such as washing, stain removal, humidification and other wet or dirty treatments. It also accommodates dry conservation work such as support stitching on larger items that cannot be accommodated in her office in the family home.

The expansion of the business has been supported by Argyll and the Islands Enterprise (AIE), part of the Highlands and Islands Enterprise network, with a business development grant of £3,000 towards the cost of purchasing the necessary equipment to undertake larger and more detailed contracts.

Mrs Younger has been working with textiles for 21 years, gaining a BA in tapestry weaving and Post Graduate in Art History. She became involved in conservation in 1989 and is now one of only two only textile conservators based on the west coast of Scotland. Mrs Younger eventually plans to become involved in training, and hopes to deliver pre-degree work experience for those interested in this type of work.

Commenting on the growth of her business, Mrs Younger said: "There have been many hurdles to jump during the last six months associated with the rigours of developing a business plan and securing funding. Convincing people I had a viable business that could survive on Islay was a challenge but with the continuing support of my husband, some reliable childcare and a car, location and distances become less restricting.

"Over the next year I intend to concentrate on establishing and expanding my client base, and further developing my range of treatments for the great variety of historic textiles that I expect to be working on. As the business grows, I look forward to sharing some of my skills with those wishing to enter the profession."

Chief executive at AIE, Ken Abernethy said: "This is a unique business and Mrs Younger has already proved her services are in great demand. The success of Mrs Younger's venture so far illustrates that a rural location need not hinder the success of a business if people are prepared to research their markets and provide imaginative solutions to what may at first seem to be a problem.

"I am delighted that Mrs Younger is also committed to developing the skills of others entering the sector."