H MacLachlan, Contracts

When Hughie MacLachlan left the employment of the Ardnamurchan Estate a few years ago he made the decision to launch his own small business. 'H. MacLachlan Contracts' specialises in groundwork of all types, from digging ditches and drains through making roads to site clearance and foundations; and Hughie is perfectly prepared to turn his hand to more, including project management.

For any small businessman launching an enterprise the great fear is that the expected work either isn't there or it tails off. Happily, Hughie hasn't had this problem. On the contrary, whenever The Diary sees him he's busy, a reflection on how much building development is going on in the area.

Hughie has access to a wide range of machines, including this small digger, a much larger JCB with useful attachments like a pecker, and a dumper. Working all this machinery requires skills which Hughie seems to have picked up with little problem.

Hughie's also had the good sense to diversify. Not only does he run his groundwork business, he's a crofter - he happens to be the man responsible for our growing pig plague - he's a fireman and Kilchoan Coastguard's station officer, he has a successful business delivering coal and firewood, and he seems to be forever coming up with new ideas on how to make a little more money.

As readers know, The Diary has a great admiration for those who launch their own business, and Hughie is an excellent example of a man who richly deserves every success.