A life sciences firm on Skye that was rescued from administration six years ago is expecting to grow its workforce on the back of developing innovative products and support from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).
Dunvegan-based Gaeltec Devices has received £331,000 from HIE over the past three years.
The funding has been used to employ an R&D manager as well as develop and market new medical devices serving niche markets.
One of these is a specialised catheter for the treatment of horses with irregular heartbeats. There is a growing global demand for these throughout the veterinary world and Gaeltec is the only company making them.
The firm has also launched the Cuillin Nanologger, named after the famous mountain range on Skye. It is a portable medical device worn by patients to record physiological information for up to 24 hours. It is typically used to assist in the diagnosis of human gastrointestinal and urological disorders.
Gaeltec was saved from failure in 2010 after Hertfordshire-based company Digitimer stepped in to buy the business from administrators for an undisclosed sum.
Gaeltec, which has been designing and making medical pressure measurement equipment since 1971, was forced into administration in March after failing to pay a tax bill.
Since then the company has retained nearly 10 jobs and up to four new posts are anticipated as part of these projects.
Derek Apps, R&D manager at Gaeltec said: “Investing in research and development allows us to better understand the marketplace and design products that fill gaps within it. R&D has become a core part of our business that drives product development and generates increased interest.
“HIE’s support has been essential in getting us to where we are today. Their advice in other areas, including intellectual property rights, has also been of great value.”
Alison Gainsford, head of business growth at HIE, said: “Gaeltec Devices proves location does not limit the scope for technology based companies to expand in rural parts of the Highlands and Islands.
“Life science businesses generally have a positive international outlook and the high quality jobs at Gaeltec are of vital importance to the social and economic sustainability of Dunvegan and the surrounding area.”
