Golf, Scotch whisky and Isle of Arran in spotlight

In this month’s big read, Kristy Dorsey provides a fascinating insight into the widening gap between the “haves” and “have-nots” in Scottish golf.

She contrasts the situation for proprietary destinations such as Trump International, Cabot Highlands and Machrihanish, which are pouring hundreds of millions of pounds into new courses and facilities catering primarily for well-heeled North American tourists, with that for local members’ clubs under intensifying pressure from rising costs.

I interview Kevin Meechan, chief executive of beauty and personal care products business Arran Sense of Scotland. He talks about his ambitions for a business that has achieved a great turnaround in its fortunes in recent years.

Read more

Mr Meechan reveals: “In the year to February 2024, we had the most successful year in the business’s 35-year history.”

Reflecting on the strength of the performance in the first half of the new financial year, he adds: “It looks as if we are going to take another step up on that again.”

Scott Wright interviews the co-owner of Isle of Barra Distillers, which is investing £12 million to develop a new distillery in the Castlebay area. When complete, the distillery will be capable of producing more than 300,000 bottles of single malt per year.

Read more

The distillery will also be home to Isle of Barra’s existing gin still, as well as a bottling site, bonded warehouse, and visitor centre. It is hoped the business will have increased its headcount to 40 within its first decade of operation.

I interview former professional footballer Jim Rae, who started playing for Dundee FC at the age of 16 in 1985, about the achievements and ambitions of his docs24 business. He declares: “There is not a part of my job that I don’t enjoy.”

Sarah Campbell visits Mossgiel Farm in Ayrshire, and reports on the different approach to milk production being pursued there.

Lorraine Wilson writes on the launch of Scunnered Ink, a new print venture by Gordon Tait. One of the new venture’s first publications is a print comic version of the hit TV series Still Game.

The University of Strathclyde’s highly regarded Fraser of Allander Institute offers its insights into the new Labour government’s first Budget.

Scott Wright looks at those in business who have had a good month, and those who have not.

The Herald’s business writers, meanwhile, share their expert perspectives on key business and economic developments as they reflect on what they have been writing about during the past month. It has been another busy one.

Fashion entrepreneur Antoinette Fionda-Douglas, and business and life coach Ed Haddon, give their insights in their regular columns, as does tech entrepreneur Ian Ritchie.

I hope you enjoy our latest edition, and find it informative.