Each week, we ask small businesses key questions. Here we speak to Angus Davidson, who runs a rural consultancy providing a wide range of services from Inverness
How and why did you start in business?
I was born and raised in Glenelg, in Wester Ross, where my parents ran the village shop, though my forebears were gamekeepers and shepherds, and a love of the outdoors was in my blood.
On leaving school I was advised against keepering, so went to Edinburgh University to watch Heart of Midlothian FC and further develop my interest in shinty and pubs. Somehow, I also managed to gain a higher national diploma (HND) in agriculture.
I went on to work on farms and estates before joining the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries in Lerwick in 1994.
I enjoyed the Shetland experience so much that I married an islander, Kay Lisa, in 1998. In 1999 we moved to Inverness, where I gained valuable experience in new work areas in a larger office.
By 2008 my agriculture department job had changed significantly from supporting farmers and crofters to more of a policing role and I decided to seek pastures new – a farming term.
How did you get to where you are today?
I always wanted to follow in my parents’ footsteps and start my own business and I came up with many hair-brained ideas over the years. All required some element of start-up capital and significant risk, so I bided my time.
By 2008 I was ready to go it alone as a rural consultant but had no clients or business plan and a family of three to support. The sign of an early mid-life crisis?
Crisis or not, today we provide a wide range of services to crofts, farms, estates and communities across the Highlands and islands: everything from management advice to the completion of subsidy and grant applications, peatland restoration, environmental monitoring, mapping, valuations, renewables and wayleaves.
Who helped you?
Kay Lisa was extremely supportive from the outset, despite the risks, as were my parents, in-laws and my self-employed friends who continue to support me today.
Joining the Federation of Small Businesses on day one to benefit from all its help and advice was a great move and the knowledge and experience of Andrew Mackay of Phoenix Consulting, who was my Business Gateway adviser, was invaluable.
I am perhaps most indebted to my employees, including my brother James and to my extremely loyal and patient clients.
What has been your biggest mistake?
Not going with my gut instinct when approached to take on work. If you have any reservations, don’t do it.
What is your greatest achievement?
Remaining solvent for the past 12 years and expanding the team to four.
If you were in power in government, what would you change?
I would try to educate those currently in Holyrood about rural life in the Highlands and islands. If unsuccessful, I would move the border north to Perth. I would also ban supermarkets and encourage local food networks.
What do you still hope to achieve?
To get more involved in local food promotion and marketing. We have also diversified successfully into the management and registration of carbon capture schemes, an exciting opportunity for both ourselves and our clients. On a personal note I would love to see our four children realise their dreams.
What do you do to relax?
Spend time with the family, support Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC and go golfing, fishing and stalking.
What are you currently reading, listening to or glued to on the TV?
I’m reading Doddie Weir’s The World According To Doddle. Doddie was in my HND class at uni and I find his fundraising efforts and brave battle with MND (motor neurone disease) truly inspirational. I also love Skippinnish and Peat & Diesel and watch football and any sport with a Scottish interest on TV. Much to Kay Lisa’s delight, this includes golf now that Robert Macintyre, of Oban, has joined the main tour.
What do you waste your money on?
It used to be bookies before Kay Lisa and the family took care of this for me. I recently invested in a rifle, with a silencer and half decent scope, to replace the old .243 I grew up with.
How would your friends describe you?
Hopeless at keeping in touch. Sarcastic but, hopefully, loyal and there when needed.
What would your enemies say about you?
I’ve had plenty of them on football and shinty pitches over the years and they would probably describe me as dirty and aggressive during the game but OK afterwards.
What do you drive and dream of driving?
I drive a Mitsubishi Barbarian pickup. It’s practical, comfortable and tax-efficient. Vehicles don’t excite me in the least, though I do wish we’d kept my grandfather’s old Avenger.