Redundancy can be a bitter blow at the best of times but Carrbridge native Murray Findlay found that black clouds can indeed have silver linings if you just go and look for them.

After fifteen years of working for someone else, Murray took the brave step of branching out on his own.  The path has not always been smooth but the start up assistance of £3,120 and business advice from Moray Badenoch and Strathspey Enterprise (MBSE) proved invaluable.

Grantown Smiddy, situated in the old industrial estate at Grantown, now has one full time employee in the form of local man, Grant Paterson, and further plans to take on an additional apprentice.

Mr Findlay commented:  "I have been in this line of work for many years now and during that time have gained experience and good contacts, so setting up the Grantown Smiddy was the most logical step for me following redundancy.  However, the help, financial and other, I have received from MBSE has made all the difference to starting and now developing the business."

Jim Mackay, head of growing businesses at MBSE, added:  "Murray Findlay has a long-standing successful track record in this line of work in the area and among the former customers of his former employers.  This is a high profile business that will service the needs of builders, local abattoir, farmers, Highland Council as well as private customers.  It is a crucial facility for the local community and means that those who have in the past been able to access the services locally can continue to do so."