Monday 8 May 2000

WESTERN ISLES SHELL LiveWIRE ENTREPRENEUR RECEIVES NATIONAL RECOGNITION AT SCOTTISH FINAL

Kevin MacRae, a 25 year old Electrical Contractor based in Shawbost, was last week awarded a prize for Best Display at the Scottish LiveWIRE Final, held at Tynecastle Stadium in Edinburgh.

Kevin, who is originally from Ness, was named as the Western Isles’ top Young Entrepreneur of the Year by Shell LiveWIRE Director Colin Wilson in March. He won the £500 Best Display prize amidst fierce competition, at the National Final of the prestigious Young Business Start Up Awards, which are supported locally by Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar and Highlands & Islands Enterprise.

Kevin, who was accompanied at the event by his wife, Christina, said,

“I'm really delighted to have won a prize at the Scottish Final, as well as in Stornoway. I'd also like to thank Norman MacLean at the Comhairle in Ness for all his help in putting the display together with me”

To win, Kevin's display outshone sixteen other young entrepreneurs from all over Scotland, who have started up their own businesses within the past eighteen months. The judging criteria were to select the display that best reflected what the business actually did on a day-to-day basis.

Kevin's business, (Kevin MacRae Electricals) was set up in July of last year and the prize-money will be used to assist the purchase of a newer vehicle, which will aid Kevin greatly with the operation of his business.

Also with Kevin in Edinburgh was Cllr Donald MacLean, who this year chaired the local panel of judges. Commenting on Kevin's success Mr MacLean said,

“Many congratulations again to Kevin. The display was a credit to his effort and talents. Thanks are also due to Norman MacLean, the Business Development Assistant in Ness, who worked so hard along with Kevin to put everything together in time”.

If anyone living in the Western Isles, aged between 16 & 30, would like to find out how to turn their business idea into reality, contact Domhnall MacDonald, PSYBT Regional Manager and Shell LiveWIRE Co-ordinator, at the Business Development Service, Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar, North Dell, Isle of Lewis on (01851) 810876, for further information.

END

Issued by: Domhnall MacDonald, Business Development Officer,

Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar, Ness Development Centre,

North Dell, Isle of Lewis, HS2 0SW

Tel: (01851) 810876

Fax: (01851) 810652

Email: domhnall@cne-siar.gov.uk