Caithness and Sutherland Enterprise (CASE) is helping a saucy new business get off the ground in Sutherland.

The local development agency has awarded HIE-Starts assistance to 21-year-old Roxanne Bannerman, to allow her to start her own venture producing home-made tartare sauce at her home in Spinningdale.

HIE-Starts is a European funded, Network-wide initiative designed to help new businesses by providing valuable business advice and a regular income for the first twelve months of trading, usually the most difficult time for fledgling businesses.

Roxy is receiving financial assistance totalling £4,100 to help her establish 'Roxy's Sauces'.  Initial feedback on her tartare sauce has been extremely positive with the Inverness branch of fish and chips giants 'Harry Ramsdens' now using her tartare sauce exclusively in their restaurant.

Commenting on her new venture Roxy said: "I have already received considerable interest in my home-made tartare sauce.  My husband, who works in the seafood industry, has helped me to promote and market my tartare sauce and I am looking to expand into the wholesale sector.

"I would also like to thank staff at Caithness and Sutherland Enterprise for their valuable advice and funding assistance."

HIE-Starts manager at CASE's Golspie office is Colin Ritchie.  Commenting on Roxy's new venture he said: "There is an increasing demand for home-made or handmade food and drink products, especially from the Highlands and Islands, as witnessed by the increasing popularity of farmers markets across the country.

"At CASE, we think 'Roxy's Sauces' has the potential to grow into a successful business, providing employment in a rural area where opportunities are often limited."

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