Two very different creative businesses are on the up thanks to financial support from Argyll and the Islands Enterprise (AIE).

A new craft business is being established on the Island of Coll with a package of assistance totalling £7,000, and a picture framing business in Lochgoilhead is expanding, creating a new full- time job as a result.

Coll-resident, Barbara Payne has received HIE-Starts assistance as well as a building and development grant from AIE to start her own craft business producing a wide variety of arts and crafts with original designs linked to Coll's wildlife and scenery.  She will be producing stained and etched glass, pottery, pyrography and illustrations.

Barbara's research identified a demand from tourists and locals alike for craft items produced on the Island and linked to its natural environment.

The funding from AIE will help Barbara to convert a spare area at home into a studio and allow her to use a free area of her shop in Arinagour as a craft outlet for any Island craft producers.

Coll is a particularly fragile Island and as a result will be included in Iomairt aig an Oir (Initiative at the Edge) from September 2004.  The development of this tourist and retail project - which is creating a source of employment for Barbara - is a real boost for the Island.

Commenting on her new venture Barbara said: "With the help of the new specialist equipment I will be able to develop my work in a way that would not be possible without leaving the Island.  It will be great to have a shop in the heart of the village as a showcase for all Coll's art."

An increasing demand for his picture framing expertise has led Lochgoilhead man, Brian Dinham to look at expanding his business.

Bheula Framing was started in February 2002 with HIE-Starts assistance from AIE and has grown rapidly.  Brian has been awarded a further £1,800 from the Local Enterprise Company to convert an outhouse building at his home into a fully equipped workshop.

The expansion of the business is also creating another full-time job in the Argyll village, with Brian looking to recruit another full-time framer.

Speaking about the growth of his business, Brian said: "I operate a collect and deliver back service in Cowal, particularly aimed at the many artists working in the area.  This has proved move popular than I ever imagined.  With the help of AIE I plan to widen my area of operation over the next year or so."

Chief executive of AIE, Ken Abernethy said: "AIE is able to help small businesses in a variety of ways from start-up support in terms of financial backing and valuable business advice to other grants to help those businesses grow and develop.

"Brian and Barbara and two very different business in two very different locations but we are able to help them meet their business desires and aspirations."