Ross and Cromarty craftsman John Maclean is hoping his hand-crafted steel furniture will be a hit with local residents.

He has set up his own furniture design and production business - Maclean Metalwork - from his base in Tore producing high-quality, hand-made bespoke steel furniture designs.

Having spent 10 years in the construction industry his interest in making furniture began when he used his welding skills to make his own steel bed frame. That successful first attempt spurred him on to set up his own business and to date he has completed several commissions ranging from beds and tables to railings and gates.

Mr Maclean received a helping hand from his local enterprise company who gave him business advice as well as awarding him a HIE Starts allowance - a European-funded initiative to provide new businesses with regular income and advice during the first few months of trading.

Mr Maclean said:  "I wasn't quite sure how to go about turning a hobby into a business but the advice I got from RACE was a great help.  The allowance I receive from them is a good backup during the first few months of trading when there isn't a steady income coming in."

Such is the demand for furniture businesses in Ross and Cromarty that the enterprise company has recently assisted two other furniture makers to set up.

At Marybank's newest business - Darren Barclay Designer Maker - it is Scottish native hardwood that receives the designer treatment.

Darren Barclay designs bespoke pieces of high-quality wooden furniture and already has a client portfolio including the Scottish Executive, Glasgow Episcopal Cathedral and Liverpool's Walker Art Gallery.

The new business received capital grant assistance from RACE towards woodworking equipment as well as a HIE Starts allowance.

Mr Barclay said:  "I am pleased that the local enterprise company shared my belief in the importance of encouraging and supporting craft manufacture. This award allows me to put my existing craft and business skills to best use and at the same time stimulate a market for my product. I am delighted to be practising my craft in the Highlands and must thank RACE for all their support."

In Nigg, Christine Asher and Stuart Clifford's company - AshCliff Furniture Makers and Restorers - specialises in custom-made antique reproduction and contemporary furniture design, ranging from small lamp tables, bookcases and upholstered stools to larger cabinets and sideboards.  Mr Clifford, who has spent five years training as a cabinet maker and restorer, also provides a complete restoration and re-upholstery service using techniques such as re-veneering, polishing and caning to spruce up neglected furniture.

The couple received a HIE Starts allowance and capital grant from RACE.

Miss Asher said:  "We are very impressed by the help, encouragement and advice we received from RACE.  It is reassuring to know that we have their support during the first few months of our new venture."

Kenny MacKay, HIE Starts business advisor with RACE said:  "Encouraging new business starts is one of our priorities here at RACE and we are pleased to be able to help these new ventures get started.

"We realise that starting a business can be a very daunting prospect but we hope that our advice and financial support can help to make the process easier."