Our website will undergo scheduled maintenance on 12th and 13th December. During this period, you will be unable to access our website. We apologise for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.

Case Studies

Yarn producer given new fleece of life after Business Gateway signposts funding for studio space

A new art studio will open in the Outer Hebrides after Business Gateway support helped access £20,000 funding to go towards the construction of the workshop.

21st December 2020

About the business

Situated on Berneray in the Outer Hebrides, Birlinn Yarn started as a passion project in Meg’s kitchen and sources wool from her ‘sea faring’ Hebridean sheep bred on the family croft as well as other local island wool producers. Sustainably produced, the yarn gleans its aesthetic qualities from the stunning landscape with soft, muted colours that celebrate the special way of island life.

I’m so grateful for the support of Business Gateway as without the new studio space, I wouldn’t have been able to operate professionally during lockdown. It’s made a huge difference.

How Business Gateway has helped

Following 1:1 support on her business plan and providing advice on premises, Business Gateway signposted Meg to the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Grants for Growth Scheme, which unlocked £20,000 of essential funding that enabled her to construct a new studio space.

Support Provided

Advice on Premises

What’s next?

The studio will open to the public in summer 2021, when Meg plans to employ a member of staff and open the gallery space to other local creatives to showcase their work.

Get the support you need right now

You can connect with us through the contact form, call us or contact your local Business Gateway office.