An Isle of Harris candle maker has launched its first mainland outlet in Inverness Airport, creating four new jobs.
Tarbert-based Buth Bheag Candle Co opened its store in the departure lounge after refitting the unit and plans to invest in new machinery to meet growing demand for its products.
The company, set up by James McGowan and Christine Macleod last May, with assistance from Business Gateway Outer Hebrides, has also just added Crieff Hydro Hotels to its growing list of stockists.
The couple aim to open a further three airport shops within the next three years and hope to host pop-up shops in leading department stores throughout the UK to promote their brand and the Outer Hebrides.
James said: “We’re very passionate about our products and very proud of the island where we live.
“We also believe the provenance of our candles helped us secure both the Inverness Airport tender and the order from Crieff Hydro Hotels.”
The couple, who run two other businesses on Harris, initially rented their premises on Tarbert Main Street as an office for their car rental company. With space to open a shop in the unit, they sourced high-end, locally produced products to sell there.
Finding there were no manufacturers of 100% soy wax candles on the island, they began making their own at their kitchen table, naming them after local beaches. They have since added two new scents to their four-strong range and now produce their own reed diffusers, wax melts, and room sprays.
Christine said: “We started off making about a dozen candles a week; now we make around 800. We’ve also started to make test batches of our own lip balm, soap, and hand lotion.
“There is a growing demand for Hebridean products and we not only want to meet that demand, we want to give back to the local community who have supported us by creating jobs and by supporting local causes such as Isle of Lewis Cancer Research.”
Richard Tarves, of Business Gateway Outer Hebrides, said: “James and Christine initially turned to us with an idea that has grown into a flourishing business.
“In just over a year they’ve secured significant orders and continue to add leading names, such as Calmac Ferries and the Aros Centre on the Isle of Skye, to their growing list of stockists.
“We have been with them every step of the way, initially providing general business advice and specialist support regarding intellectual property as well as guidance with funding.”
