Few people can claim to have a sheepskin tanning qualification on their CV, but Fiona Johnston is the exception as she has just become the only female qualified sheepskin tanner in the UK.

As a trainee at the Skye sheepskin manufacturer and retailer, Skyeskyns, Fiona had received a good grounding in the practical aspects of the traditional methods of tanning from company boss, Clive Hartwell.  But both of them were keen to develop her skills and improve her theoretical knowledge about the methods used to produce washable fleeces that retain their natural colour and markings.

With help from a workforce development grant from Skye and Lochalsh Enterprise, Fiona was enrolled on a course at the British School of Leather Technology in Northampton in order to learn the latest developments in the tanning process. 

It took many hours of training, but her dedication has paid off.  Not only has her qualification put her in the record books, her new-found skills have landed her a full-time job as assistant tanner at Skyeskyns.

Clive Hartwell is delighted with his employee's new skills.

"The grant from SALE, as well as their helpful support and encouragement, made it much easier to send Fiona on the course," he said.  "It was definitely a worthwhile exercise, as our company has benefited as much as she has. Since we established 20 years ago every employee has made a unique contribution.  Fiona has enhanced her skills and gained a full-time job as a result of the course, and our business benefits from the new methods and techniques she has introduced since being on the course."

Claire Campbell from Skye and Lochalsh Enterprise said:  "This is certainly one of the most unique training courses we have been asked to fund!

"It is often difficult for small businesses to afford the time and costs involved in sending a member of staff away for training, but our workforce development grants go a long way towards off-setting these concerns.  Developing skills is one of our key priorities and we were pleased to have been able to help Skyeskyns with a project which will help the business to expand further."