An Argyll woman is expanding her successful equestrian centre to offer horse riders and enthusiasts in the area a wider range of services.

With financial backing from Argyll and the Islands Enterprise (AIE), Fiona McArthur who has operated the Barrglen Equitation Centre for the past eight years is investing in training, upgraded facilities and new equipment.

The result will be an expanding customer base and a facility that operates all year round and in all weathers. The revamped centre will also allow Fiona to buy in young horse stock for breaking and developing, with the aim of selling on once trained.

Fiona McArthur said: "I have built the business up around a core client base, but the new facilities will allow me to offer them a wider range of services as well as hopefully attracting more customers and teaching to a greater number of  people at any one time.

"A new rubber surfaced arena and jumps will create a much better impression which will help with schooling and training of horses. Developing the cross country aspect of the business is another future priority."

Fiona has also received a workforce development grant from AIE towards a qualification in equine muscle release therapy. This revolutionary holistic treatment is a gentle, non-intrusive hands-on therapy which manipulates muscles, tendons and ligaments in either horse or rider to maximise their joint performance.

When she completes the qualification, her business will be one of only two in Scotland that can offer this service.

Ken Abernethy, chief executive of AIE, said: "The Barrglen Equitation Centre is an excellent example of a company that has utilised two different kinds of AIE assistance to move its business onto another level. In growing her business and developing her skills, Fiona should make a real difference to her bottom line in the future."