THE BUSINESS BOTHY
Helping local business grow
Based in the village of Gairloch, The Business Bothy provides clear, practical support to the people and enterprises of Wester Ross and across the Highlands.
For the Dreamers and the Doers
Whether your business is currently just a spark of an idea or you have been established for decades, we are here to help. You might be looking to turn a passion into a reality, or perhaps you’re a seasoned business owner looking for fresh inspiration to overcome a specific hurdle. No matter where you are on your journey, we offer a steady hand and a fresh perspective.
Understanding our Landscape
The Highlands is a unique place to live and a distinct place to work. It offers incredible opportunities, but it also presents complexities you won’t find in a city. Because we live and work here too, we understand the “wonders and the challenges” of the rural economy. We speak your language and understand your pace.
A Deeper Look
Practical Support For Every Stage
Business Plans
For new ventures, we help create a “roadmap”—a sustainable pathway to turn your skills into a reliable income. For established businesses, a fresh plan can unlock new potential. Whether you are a hotel looking to extend your season or an artisan crafter aiming to increase sales, we tailor our strategy to your specific goals.
Explore how we plan for progress →
Websites
In our remote landscape, a website is often your front door. It’s the best way to show neighbours and visitors alike exactly what you do. We specialise in in-house design for small-to-medium businesses—perfect for most Highland traders. If you require something highly complex, we’ll act as your creative guide to help you source exactly what you need.
View our approach to Highland website design →
SEO & GEO
SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) ensures that when someone searches for an “Electrician in Aultbea” or a “Dog walker in Kinlochewe,” they find you. GEO (Generative Engine Optimisation) is the next step; it ensures that AI tools like ChatGPT recommend your business when someone asks for local suggestions. We take the mystery out of this and simply ensure you are visible to your customers.
Help your customers find you online →
Online Advertising & PPC
Pay-Per-Click (PPC) means you only pay when someone actually clicks your link. It’s a powerful tool on Google, but it can be daunting to set up. We help you manage your budget effectively, ensuring your advertising spend is an investment, not a gamble.
Make your advertising budget work harder →
Social Media
Social media is the modern-day “word of mouth.” While not essential for everyone, a good presence on Facebook or Instagram can be a game-changer for local visibility. We can help you start your campaigns from scratch or help manage your existing accounts to reach more people.
Build your community on social media →
Guidance
Sometimes, you don’t know what you need yet—and that’s okay. Whether you’re a talented cake maker wondering how to go pro, or a kayak guide looking to boost bookings, our Guidance service is about sitting down, talking through your goals, and finding the best way forward together.
Discover how a chat can spark new ideas →
Understanding you and your business
We believe that the best business relationships are built on trust, not a stopwatch. That’s why our initial visit is always completely free. We want to get to know you and your aspirations at a “Highland pace”—no pressure, no jargon, and definitely not “on the clock.” Once we truly understand what you want to achieve, we can get to work helping you reach your ambitions. Let’s sit down and chat about where you want to go next.