£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.
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Hebridean Spa, which trades as ishga, has been awarded a £122,000 research and development grant for a 12-month project, which is expected to create two new jobs in Stornoway.
The work will be carried out in collaboration with East Kilbride based company, Cutitronics, who have developed the technology. The device will assess skin hydration, guide regimens and suggest products via an associated app. This will give customers access to a smart and tailored skincare plan, based on ishga products, that updates as their skin changes.
The R&D project forms an important part of the company’s three-year plan for capacity expansion and entering new markets. Crucially it will enable them to respond to the increased demand from consumers for contactless solutions in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The business was founded in 2010 by Malcolm Macrae, Martin McLeod and Leon Trayling. Through Malcolm and Martin's other business, Hebridean Seaweed and with Leon’s experience in spa and wellness, demand for seaweed as a beauty product ingredient has increased.
Hebridean Spa makes luxury organic skincare products by combining seaweed with natural spring water, sea water and other certified natural ingredients, and specialise in anti-ageing face and body therapies. It supplies some of the UK’s most prestigious spas, including Glasgow’s Blythswood Square.
All ishga products are developed, manufactured and packaged in Stornoway, where the company has grown and currently employs 13 people.
ishga’s commercial director Leon Trayling, said: “Our customers demand a high performance product and continual product innovation. The social restrictions of 2020 has forced us to quickly change how we engage with our customers. This project is very timely as customers cannot visit the spa for a skin consultation like they used to. This smart skin monitoring system will be a first in the skincare industry and we are delighted that with the support from HIE we are able to partner with another Scottish SME to take the technology to the market with the ishga brand.”
Rachel Mackenzie, HIE’s area manager for Innse Gall, said: “It is fantastic to see ishga invest in R&D and working collaboratively to maintain business competitiveness and sustainability. This technology will allow users to monitor the skin in the same way that we track our steps, sleep and food intake. It’s crucial for companies to embrace innovation if they want to remain competitive in ever changing markets. We are delighted to support this project, which will create skilled jobs in the Outer Hebrides.”
The HIE funding will help meet the costs of plant and equipment and help lever in significant private sector investment to the project.
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.
The new product has been developed by Dunoon-based former construction industry director Allister Wood
There was support for businesses and social enterprises to lower emissions and improve efficiencies within their operations.
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.
The project is expected to continue to attract innovative marine businesses, creating new well-paid job opportunities, particularly for young people, and encouraging entrepreneurship.
As a result of HIE support, businesses in the area will see total turnover rise by £14.5m and international sales by £1.9m.
Figures show HIE approved £1.5m investment across 18 Shetland projects in 2023-24
Figures compiled by HIE show that businesses and communities supported by the agency in 2023/24 are set to create or retain more than 1,200 jobs across the region.
Six talented young people working at HIE over the past two years have secured permanent positions, bringing fresh perspectives and valuable skills to HIE’s economic and community development efforts.
Beinn an Tuirc Distillery is investigating the development of two new canned ready to drink (RTD) cocktail recipes.
£250k helped leverage a further £3.6m in national investment