A family-run business on the Isle of Lewis is set to open four new self-catering apartments as part of ambitious growth plans.
Uig Lodge was originally built by Sir James Matheson in 1876 on the west coast of the island in the Outer Hebrides as a base for fishing trips.
The current business was founded in 1981 and is operated by husband and wife Dickon and Elly Green.
In 1984, a salmon smokery was introduced and the business further diversified in 2019 with the opening of Uig Sands, a restaurant in Uig.
With trade beginning to return to normal levels after pandemic disruption, the couple decided to press ahead with plans to build four new apartments close to the restaurant.
To support the development, they approached Bank of Scotland and received a six-figure funding package.
Development of the new apartments began in January this year and is due to complete this month.
Each holiday let will feature large timber frame rooms, underfloor heating, wood burners and views across Uig Sands beach.
The business expects three new jobs to be created, providing year-round employment for locals.
Dickon Green, co-owner of Uig Lodge, said: “Since my father and uncle founded the business more than 40 years ago, our family has worked hard to develop the enterprise and help to boost the local economy.
“Promoting tourism and generating year-round employment here on the island is a key priority for us and something we’ll continue to strive for in years to come.
“After a tricky spell during the pandemic, we thought that now was the perfect opportunity to further diversify, by developing four new apartments near Uig Sands.”
Katie Kroll, relationship manager at Bank of Scotland, said: “Having grown up on the Isle of Skye, I’ve seen first-hand just how important tourism is to our islands.
“Before the pandemic, the islands attracted 219,000 visitors a year, adding £65m to the Scottish economy, so it’s encouraging to see people return and enjoy what’s on offer.”
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