A North Uist business championing outdoor play and nature connection has developed a new woodland site with the support of Business Gateway.
Founded by Emily Durie in 2022, Otter Mountain celebrates children’s play, local landscapes and Gaelic culture through a range of imaginative outdoor experiences. Based in Lochmaddy, the business recently launched its new home, The Wee Woodland, following tailored advice and grant funding accessed via Business Gateway.
The Wee Woodland offers a variety of nature-based play sessions for children and families. These include Wee Wildlings, designed for toddlers, pre-schoolers and home-schooled children; Earthlings, a sensory group for babies; Forest School sessions for nursery and school groups; and Wild Families, where the whole family can explore the woodland, craft, cook over the fire and cosy up in the bell tent. Otter Mountain also delivers play-based activity trails and spaces at community events across Uist.
In early 2024, Emily secured the lease on a local woodland and approached Business Gateway for advice on growing her business and developing the site. She received one-to-one support from local adviser Alastair Macleod and was signposted to funding from the Outer Hebrides Young Enterprise Support Scheme, which is funded by Highlands and Islands Enterprise and delivered by the Comhairle’s Business Gateway team.
The grant funding supported essential costs to prepare the new facility, including the purchase of outdoor equipment. The Wee Woodland officially opened in April 2024 and has already welcomed families from across the island.
Emily Durie, founder of Otter Mountain, said:
“My vision was to create a space where children could connect with nature, culture and community through play. Business Gateway’s support helped make that vision a reality. The funding and advice I received allowed me to open The Wee Woodland and bring families together in the outdoors.”
Alastair Macleod, Business Gateway adviser, said:
“Emily’s work through Otter Mountain has created a truly special space for children and families in North Uist. It’s been a pleasure to support her journey, and I’m excited to see the business continue to grow and connect with more of the local community.”
To find out more about how Business Gateway can help your business visit the Business Gateway website.