Only accessible by an 18 mile hike across hills and moors or a seven mile sea crossing, The Old Forge, Inverie on the remote Knoydart peninsula, has to go the extra mile to attract its customers.

Backed by HIE Lochaber, owners Ian and Jackie Robertson realised that their challenge may also be their greatest advantage after marketing advice from one of Scotland's leading consultants.

Jackie explained: "As landlords of mainland Britain's most remote pub - listed by the Guinness Book of Records - we always knew their lack of passing trade meant marketing would be vitally important to our success.

 "I attended a tourism seminar at Lochaber College and was completely bowled over by the guest speaker, Professor John Lennon, chair in travel and tourism business development at the Glasgow Caledonian University based Moffat Centre."

"We know we have a good product in terms of our menu and the services we offer and had always spent a lot on advertising, but had never really looked at the whole customer journey - from finding us, choosing us, staying with us. John's presentation made us see that our remoteness was what made us unique, and I wanted to find out more."

Mairi Adam, development manager at HIE Lochaber, said: "When Jackie approached us to see if we could help to engage this renowned hospitality consultant to mentor their relatively small business, we were delighted to help.

"We were able to assist this through our leadership and management programme which is designed to tailor mentoring support to suit each business.  John Lennon conducted a thorough assessment of the business and his advice will help Jackie prepare a strategic plan to expand the business"

"The Old Forge also received grant assistance towards staff training while the development of a new e-commerce website enables them to sell branded items on-line."

The Old Forge has now been shortlisted for the Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards 2007, to be held at the Drumossie Hotel in Inverness on the November 16.

"I am so pleased with all the help we have received," said Jackie. "It helped us to focus 'on the business', instead of what was going on 'in the business', giving me a vision that has been turned into a reality. It may have taken a lot of blood, sweat and tears, but it has been well worth it!"