Each week, we ask small businesses key questions. Here, we speak to Feona Laing, who runs Strathspey Highland Ponies at Rothiemurchus Estate
How and why did you start in business?
Born and raised in Arisaig, much of my career has been spent as a chef in Grantown, though my true love is Highland ponies.
I have always kept them and spent a year away from the kitchen working in livery yards so that I could gain some professional qualifications, purely for my own satisfaction.
I went back to work as a chef and then, while enjoying a glass of wine with a few friends, one of them announced that she and her husband were moving to Edinburgh and her trekking business was for sale.
I had a light bulb moment of madness and thought I could do this. I was already breeding Highland ponies as a hobby, so why not turn it into a business? My ownership of Strathspey Highland Ponies began in October 2008.
How did you get to where you are today?
It might sound glamorous, but running a stable requires hard work and lots of it. It’s a very hands-on, physical job and it’s important to have very good and friendly staff.
I’m really lucky to have Laura, who works full time, and Jen and Rebecca who both help us all year. We also employ a student for the school holidays.
Who helped you?
I had no money to buy the business but managed to get a 50% low-interest loan from Highland Opportunity and a 50% loan from a friend. I know it was risky but the gamble paid off and I owned the business outright after five years.
I’ve also had lots of support from friends willing to lend me their ponies, and from local estates who send me their stalking ponies to get them fit for carrying red deer stags off the hill.
Being based at Rothiemurchus Estate is ideal for not only does their fame as a key quality activity hub attract a lot of business, they also handle all of my bookings via their visitor centre and website, while providing a very valuable back-up service.
Finally, small, independent businesses like mine need safety nets and someone to represent their interests. One of my first visitors was the Highland representative of the Federation of Small Businesses and I have been a member ever since.
What has been your biggest mistake?
Not resurfacing the outdoor school. I was too busy paying off my debts to take that project on when I first bought the business.
What is your greatest achievement?
Surviving my first six months in business. I took over near the end of the season – October 1 – but, thankfully, we had a kind first winter.
People say I’m lucky to be running such a lovely business, but sometimes you make your own luck.
If you were in power in government, what would you change?
I would take another close look at how and where the NHS budget is spent and think again about Brexit – do we really want to leave?
Also, while nothing to do with the government, I would redirect the RSPCA and Scottish SPCA’s resources away from politics and towards animal welfare.
What do you still hope to achieve?
The winter forces me to close for two months when I would rather be open all year to satisfy demand and provide permanent, full-time employment. But that would require a costly indoor school. If any investment angels are reading this, please get in touch.
What do you do to relax?
I go horse racing when I can, my favourite course being Cheltenham. I also love showing my Highland ponies under saddle.
What are you currently reading, listening to or glued to on TV?
I’m reading a Wilbur Smith book and, as always, I’m hooked on Silent Witness.
What do you waste your money on?
I’m a saddle addict, but to be fair they all get used as Highland ponies come in all shapes and sizes.
How would your friends describe you?
Loyal, bonkers and the life and soul of the party.
What would your enemies say about you?
What you see is what you get – she’s brutally honest and very stubborn when defending her corner.
What do you drive and dream of driving?
I drive a Mitsubishi L200 Trojan. For Christmas 2018, I would love a brand new Oakley seven-tonne horse lorry, with luxury living accommodation – please.