Childcare team prove they're not kidding

Two Lochaber friends have made setting up their own business to provide a vital service to working parents look like child's play.

Merion MacNeil, 21, and Donna MacGillivray, 20, have delivered a new arrival in the shape of Ardcona Kiddie Care.

They serve the remote area of Ardgour, reached by the Corran ferry from Fort William - and things are going well already.

Donna explained how the long-time friends had decided to combine their love of children with their business sense and set up the childminding venture.

Donna explained: "We've been friends for a while, and we both love working with children - it just made sense to set up a business.

"We have about seven children at the moment, although not all of them are full-time. It's a service that was needed, and things are going well."

Merion and Donna may just have started the business officially, but they have been working hard behind the scenes for over a year.

To become registered childminders, the pair had to provide references and undergo health and police checks and rigorous training. They also completed the Scottish Childminding Association's preparation course.

They are using Merion's house for the business - and they had one customer before they even started - Merion's six-month-old daughter, Joanna.

Ardcona Kiddie Care standards must never drop, as they are inspected annually by the Care Commission.

Donna admitted: "There has been a lot of paperwork and administrative stuff to do, but it's been worth it."

Everyone knows having children is expensive - but even looking after them for other people is a huge investment. Merion and Donna knew they would need some advice and financial assistance, and went to Lochaber Enterprise.

They received a revenue grant of £1,500, to be spread over six months. As the only registered childminders in the Ardgour area, the money will help them until they find their feet and establish a steady customer base.

Donna added: "We just got the grant through, and it's coming in very handy. We need storage equipment and toys - the money has helped quite a lot."

Donna and Merion hope to increase their customer base steadily and make a huge success of the business.

Lochaber Enterprise development manager Elaine Jones said: "The development of new businesses is a high priority for us and never more so than in the more remote parts of Lochaber.

"Merion and Donna's childcare business not only provides them with employment but also gives other potential employees with young children the flexibility and confidence to be able to seek employment, knowing that their children are in safe hands. We wish them every success with their business."