A South Uist smokehouse is expanding its footprint and introducing new products, after securing £170,000 of funding from Bank of Scotland.
Salar Smokehouse, a producer of smoked salmon and trout, opened on the Isle of Benbecula in South Uist in 1997.
Famous for its hand-made kilns used in the smoking process, the smokehouse was acquired by its current owner and former employee, Iain Macrury, in 2015.
He was a production manager there and decided to buy the business when it was put up for sale, saving 10 local jobs.
In 2018, Iain and Emma Macrury also bought a local bistro. They had originally intended to change it into a production site for new products - including pates and chowders - but decided to keep it open due to popularity within the local community.
Still wanting to open a production site, the business approached Bank of Scotland, with further funding coming from Highlands & Islands Enterprises and Business Gateway, helping to support the development of the building.
Salar Smokehouse will move to the 1600 sq ft site in early summer 2023 The new premises should allow the company to add to its current offering and produce other smoked items, including ham and beef.
The facility will also offer new employment opportunities, creating two full time and two part time roles.
In a bid to reduce costs and increase its energy-efficiency, the business has also purchased a minibus to transport each of the six members of staff to the kilns, saving employees £200 per vehicle per month on fuel.
Iain Macrury, director at Salar Smokehouse, said: “The new premises represents a significant opportunity for us, it will be purpose built, meaning we will have the capability to produce more product that we’ll be able sell to larger supermarkets and reach an even bigger customer base.”
Katie Kroll, relationship manager at Bank of Scotland, commented: “We are pleased to be supporting ambitious independent businesses like Salar Smokehouse, which is a prime example of a small business in the Highlands and Islands that is maximising growth opportunities and providing jobs for local people.”
Don't miss the latest headlines with our twice-daily newsletter - sign up here for free.
