Case Study: MacDonald Brothers

Who: Peter MacDonald, company manager, and Lachie Gillies, retail manager.

What: MacDonald Brothers are a building contractor and building supplies company.

"When the kids come to us, we make sure we speak to those who have the language, or are learning it, in Gaelic. That way we show them that it can be a normal part of business life, and in that way it becomes habit-forming. They see us conduct business in Gaelic and they learn the terminology.”

The solution:

Reputation is everything when it comes to building a successful business, and underpinning that is an understanding of the community you’re serving. MacDonald Brothers, in Portree on the Isle of Skye, were founded in 1950 by two brothers who were known throughout the community for their skill as tradesmen.

Nearly 60 years on, the company continues to thrive, despite the changes to Skye, particularly since the completion of the Skye Bridge in 1995. The current manager, Peter MacDonald, is the son of one of the founders, and sees that very word, community, as a key to the business’s success both presently and going forward.

“Today we have 20 employees, and are keen to create training and employment opportunities for those in the local area. That’s why we work with Portree High School so closely, through the ‘Construction Skills Course’ – it helps the community by giving youngsters the chance to get started in the trade, and hopefully encourages them to stay on the island. It is key to provide young people with accessible training opportunities on their doorsteps, rather than have them travelling long distances. It’s a unique partnership. Of course, this is a two-way process because it can help us build our workforce going forward.”

“Also, for the first time, we’ve seen some traditional barriers broken down because two-thirds of those taking part in the scheme this year are female. If that helps some stay in the community, then that is a real benefit.”

“It allows us to inject something back into the community. 30% of our staff have been here for over a decade and some as long as 25 years. They have invaluable skills and experience which can encourage today’s youngsters to train, work and remain in the locality without having to move away.”

“By passing on these skills, we feel we are playing our part in the regeneration of a community.”

Retail manager Lachie Gillies said: “Part of that regeneration involves Gaelic as well as practical skills, and that’s something that comes from the top of the company. When the kids come to us, we make sure we speak to those who have the language, or are learning it, in Gaelic. That way we show them that it can be a normal part of business life, and in that way it becomes habit-forming. They see us conduct business in Gaelic and they learn the terminology.”

There are 5 Gaelic-speaking members of staff currently working for MacDonald Brothers – which equates to 25%. “We have a Gaelic-speaking retail manager and foreman, and that is often where the bond is made – they can speak to customers, other tradesmen and suppliers in the language. Local customers coming in are able to use their mother tongue and they feel more comfortable like that.”

“There seems to be a bond of confidence struck up between customer and retailer, and helps us to win repeat business. It’s about an element of trust in speaking to someone in their own tongue. In that respect, the language is definitely an advantage.”

In terms of business, skills, training and community, Gaelic is something that can definitely be built on.

LESSONS LEARNED: Investment in young people, taking a holistic approach to their whole skill set – whether its language, practical, personal or academic skills – is a vital element in business and community sustainability.