Pampered pets

Holiday makers were able to enjoy their visit to Skye even more this summer; safe in the knowledge their pets were enjoying their holidays in equally happy surroundings.

Karen Macaskill, who has owned Aird Boarding Kennels and Cattery since 2002, has 14 spacious kennels with individual runs for dogs and a cattery with heated beds.  This year she developed an additional exercise area for the dogs, giving them more freedom and an altogether more luxurious stay.

The mainstay of Karen's business over the past two years has been local residents in Skye and Lochalsh; however she has also tapped into the opportunity to board pets for visitors to Skye staying in accommodation which doesn't allow animals.

Aird Boarding Kennels and Cattery, which was set up with business start up assistance from Skye and Lochalsh Enterprise (SALE), also received a development grant of £800 towards these latest improvements. 

Carole Inglis, a development manager with SALE said: "It is really good to see a business we assisted in the early days becoming so successful within two years, developing and adding more value to the service provided to locals and visitors to Skye and their pets."

Talking about the expansion, Karen said: "It is really great to have this extra space for the dogs, it gives them a lot more freedom which leads to a happier kennel for everyone.

"I would like to add my thanks to SALE for their continued support, their assistance has been invaluable in the development of the business."