A Highland bagpipe-maker is shipping more of his instruments to countries around the world, highlighting a growing appetite among traditional music lovers globally for the authentic sound of Scotland.
When Ross Calderwood made his first set of pipes out of washing machine parts nearly two decades ago, he had no idea that one day he would be exporting his hand-made creations to countries including Austria, Brazil, Germany and the US.
After help from Business Gateway on Skye and funding from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) to develop a new workshop, he expects to treble his pipe production to 30 sets a year.
Mr Calderwood, 48, is now concentrating fully on his Lochalsh Pipes business, leaving his wife, Jayne, to run their Balmacara guesthouse.
The former engineer said: “I never imagined when I was working for a construction company in Cumbria 18 years ago that I would be running my own company making bagpipes.
“Since working with Business Gateway, Lochalsh Pipes has continued to grow.
“The one-to-one support and specialist marketing advice has helped me to create a forward-looking business plan and make improvements to my website which in turn has led to an increase in sales.
“The support and growth gave me the confidence to turn Lochalsh Pipes into a full-time business, which will treble production.”
Mr Calderwood makes a range of pipes, including for one-off commissions, based on classic historical designs.
He uses indigenous Scottish materials, including timbers and natural other materials which he sources locally.
Since setting up a website he has orders flowing in from all over the world.
“The new workshop is wonderful and will allow me to take the business to a new level,” he said, adding: “Waiting times will be shorter and it will enable me to experiment with ideas.
“It’s a very exciting time for Lochalsh Pipes and with the continued support of Business Gateway I hope to carry on expanding and nurturing my business so it can reach its maximum potential.”
Business Gateway area manager Alistair Danter said: “Ross is a great example of someone who is reaping the rewards of turning a hobby into a business.
“We have supported Ross in a number of areas but mostly with his growth plans as he realised he had to take his business to the next level.
“We also signposted him towards the funding options on offer from Highlands and Islands Enterprise, which he received in order to fund the workshop.
“We will continue to support and guide Lochalsh Pipes as the business grows further.”
Business Gateway provides practical help, advice and support for new and growing businesses throughout Scotland.