An Inverness man has started his own mobile boat repair business with help from Inverness and Nairn Enterprise (INE).

Alasdair MacKay's new venture specialises in the fitting out and repair of boat hulls, both wooden and fibreglass.  He can also carry out other general fibreglass and marine work and has recently completed a welding course enabling him to undertake stainless steel fabrication work.

He is operating his mobile business from a customised workshop built into his van and recent work has taken him from Ullapool in the west to Peterhead in the east.

INE's HIE-Starts programme has helped Alasdair get his new business off the ground.  The Network-wide initiative is designed to help new businesses by providing a regular income for the first twelve months of trading, usually the most difficult time for fledgling businesses.

Alasdair is well qualified to run his own boat repair business having attending a boat building course in Lowestoft as well as attaining Royal Yachting Association qualifications in boat skippering.

Commenting on his new business, Alasdair said: "It feels great to be my own boss and I look forward to the challenge of running my own business.  I am grateful to INE for their advice and support."

HIE Starts manager at INE, Maria Peter said: "The HIE-Starts programme is an excellent way of encouraging and supporting people who wish to run their own business.  Not only is financial assistance available but aftercare support is a vital element of the programme and probably the part that our clients value the most."