Alex Murray Construction is the 100th organisation in the Western Isles Enterprise (WIE) area to be awarded Investors in People (IiP) status - a national award which promotes the development of staff and skills.

The business was set up in Mr Murray's home at Ness on Lewis in 1990 but has grown steadily and now occupies purpose-built premises in Stornoway, employing 27 staff.

"We are totally committed to ensuring all our staff are adequately trained in order to maintain high standards of workmanship and high levels of site safety. Investors in People has helped identify training and development needs. It has also demonstrated to us the importance of showing staff support and encouragement and helping them to realise that what they are involved in is a team effort." said Mr Murray.

At a ceremony at the newly opened Lews Castle College Conference Centre today, Mr Murray accepted the IiP plaque from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) chief executive Sandy Cumming and Sandy MacGillivray, area manager with the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).

Presenting the award, Sandy Cumming said: "I am delighted to be awarding the Western Isles' 100th Investors in People to Alex Murray Construction. IiP is an enormous success throughout the Highlands and Islands with more than 30 per cent of all IiP recognitions in Scotland based in our area."

Sandy MacGillivray of the CITB said: "Investors in People is a framework for business development. It ensures training and development for all people who contribute to the success of the business."

Other local businesses picking up IiP awards today are: Youngs Bluecrest Stornoway; Stornoway Golf Club; Duncan MacKay & Sons Ltd; Iomart; CnES Technical Services; Studio Alba; Point 1.

Businesses in the WIE area which have successfully been re-recognised as Investors in People are: Western Isles Seafood Company Ltd; WISCo Processing Ltd; Gael Force Marine Ltd; Bethesda Nursing Home and Hospice; Voluntary Action Lewis; Crossroads (Harris) Care Attendance Scheme; Acair Ltd.