Funding boost for new Isle of Mull recording studio
The project is forecast to generate more than £340,000 turnover in the next three years and create three jobs within five years.
The £576,000 project, by Machrihanish Holiday Park, will improve the park’s accommodation and facilities, increasing the number of holiday homes available to rent and buy.
A sports court will be created, along with a new reception building. Accessibility improvements are being made, and ramps installed for toilet and shower facilities.
The project will enable the company to grow by increasing the number of the park’s holiday home pitches from 25 to 57 over the next three years, complementing its existing 40 touring pitches.
The improvements have helped safeguard the existing 3.5 full time equivalent (FTE) jobs at the park and have created a further four FTE posts. Recruitment for another three FTE roles is also planned for 2022.
Machrihanish Holiday Park forms part of the re-emerging holiday resort village of Machrihanish. The current owners have been investing in the park continuously since 2011, transforming it from a two star to a four-star park.
The business has benefited from growth in demand for self-catering staycations. With this growth set to continue, the park is expected to benefit further from the staycation market.
Morag Goodfellow, HIE’s area manager for Argyll and the Islands, said:
“Tourism has had a very difficult time but is also key to our region’s recovery. The resilience and commitment shown by businesses in the sector has been amazing. Many continue to adapt, innovate and provide memorable and enjoyable experiences for visitors.
“Machrihanish Holiday Park is a great example. With Argyll in an ideal position to benefit from the rise in staycations, from people across Scotland and the UK, they have taken the initiative to capitalise on this market growth.
“This very welcome project will enhance the wider visitor offering, help attract more visitors and encourage longer stays in the area. As well as supporting valuable jobs in a rural area, the expected increase in visitors is also likely to benefit other local businesses.
“We are very pleased to be able to provide support and look forward to continuing to work with the business as they implement the plans.”
Ian Aitkin of Machrihanish Holiday Park said:
“There has been strong demand for self-catering, touring and camping holidays in Scotland since lockdown has ended, Kintyre has a lot to offer tourists looking for wide open spaces, miles of beaches, world-class golf and famous distilleries. Our improvement project, with help from HIE, will enable us to expand and improve the park, providing visitors with five-star facilities.”
Related Articles
Argyll firm to create eDNA lab for aquaculture sector
Underwater ecological survey company Ocean Ecology is developing the state-of-the-art lab in its existing facilities at the European Marine Science Park (EMSP) near Oban.
New fund announced to support growth in life sciences sector
The funding can help cover the costs of equipment, new technology or fixtures and fittings, or to construct, adapt or upgrade business premises or other infrastructure.
Lochaber fabrication firm in further expansion
The improvements will enable the company to continue its growth through increased capacity and efficiencies in production.
‘Unplugged in Stornoway’ event aims to drive tech entrepreneurship
People interested in developing and applying their ideas on the use of technology to start or grow a business can attend in person or online.
£250k boost for new whisky distillery in Caithness
The HIE funding will help meet the costs of plant and equipment and help lever in significant private sector investment to the project.
50 plus jobs supported by HIE in Caithness and Sutherland in 2023/24
As a result of HIE’s support, businesses in the area are set to see combined turnover rise by £22.4m, while international sales will grow by £661,000.
Project to market a safer sustainable bulk bag
The new product has been developed by Dunoon-based former construction industry director Allister Wood
650+ jobs supported by HIE in Inner Moray Firth in 2023/24
There was support for businesses and social enterprises to lower emissions and improve efficiencies within their operations.
100+ jobs supported by HIE in Moray in 2023/24
As a result of HIE’s support, businesses in Moray are forecast to see combined turnover rise by more than £85m and international sales by almost £14m.
Argyll's new £8.1m building will strengthen marine industries
The project is expected to continue to attract innovative marine businesses, creating new well-paid job opportunities, particularly for young people, and encouraging entrepreneurship.