A young entrepreneur has identified a niche market for a female chimney sweep in the Highlands and Islands.
 
Carolyn Naisby, 23, from Culbokie, is the first female to offer chimney sweeping services in the Highlands and Islands, and has set up her own business called Chim Chimeny with the help of a £3000 start-up grant from Ross and Cromarty Enterprise (RACE) and £10,000 loan from the Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust (PSYBT).

Along with chimney cleaning, Carolyn will also offer a wide range of other services including the fitting of cowls, flue linings, repairing minor roof and chimney damp problems and fitting and reseating chimney pots.

But in addition to these services, which may be expected of a modern-day chimney sweep, Carolyn will also attend weddings in the traditional top hat and tails.

The appearance of a chimney sweep to give the bride the "kiss of luck" after the wedding ceremony is a long-held tradition that is believed to bring the newly married couple good luck and good fortune.

"I thought the lucky sweep service was a bit different, and something that would appeal to many couples preparing to get married," explained Carolyn.

However, Carolyn expects most of her work to involve maintaining chimneys. She learned the trade while working for a chimney sweep in Yorkshire.

"I served my apprenticeship down south, where chimney sweeping has flourished and I am confident there is the same market up here in the Highlands.

"Chim Chimeny will be a traditional, high quality chimney sweeping business, based in Ross-shire, but serving a wide area of the Highlands.

"I believe that many women and elderly people would feel more comfortable letting a woman into their home. I will deliver a reliable service and leave no mess whatsoever in customers' homes.

"Chimney sweeping is a vital service for any household that has an open fire, gas fire or stove that relies on the chimney as a vent. The main task of a chimney sweep is to prevent fires and carbon monoxide poisoning caused by blocked flues."

Kenny MacKay, development manager at RACE, said: "This is a fantastic business idea that I am sure Carolyn will turn into a great success. She has done a lot of market research and has produced a detailed business plan.

"We have been delighted to be able to help, along with PSYBT, to get Carolyn started by providing general business advice and some financial assistance."

Carolyn has also been selected as a finalist in the Tycoon Idol competition being run by the national women's magazine Take a Break.

Carolyn can be contacted by telephone on 01349 877139, or by email at cnaisby@chimchimeny.co.uk