Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is backing ambitious expansion plans by a leading Lochaber bakery with a funding package worth nearly £70,000.

Nevis Bakery has a 30-strong workforce and support from HIE will enable the company to upgrade to new premises to keep up with the high level of demand for a new range of premium biscuits, shortbread and loaf cakes.

An investment of around £280,000 is planned with HIE contributing £69,854 towards the total cost. Nevis Bakery purchased the larger unit adjacent to their existing unit on the Annat Industrial Estate and will be moving into the new modern food production facility next month.

The family run business based in Fort William sells bread, pastries and cakes to supermarkets, delicatessens and other food outlets throughout the UK with the launch of the new range leading to further demand.

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Nevis Bakery was established in 1981 by Archie and Hazel Paterson. The main bakery is on the shores of Loch Linnhe and Nevis Bakery now has stores in Fort William and Oban receiving orders across the UK.

Archie said: "This expansion in activity will put us in a great position to explore new markets as well as introduce some new additions to our range. We are delighted that HIE has contributed to our expansion plans. The new unit should allow us to expand production which will also help us to create more employment."

Helen Cameron, account manager at HIE said: "Nevis Bakery is an excellent business and has seen a period of increase in its products recently throughout the UK where there is potentially a massive market for high-quality products. The business is an important employer in Lochaber and will be well placed to increase production as a result of this expansion."

Last year, Nevis Bakery won a prestigious Great Taste Award. The bakery was presented with a coveted three star Gold Great Taste Award and the Scottish Speciality regional award, sponsored by Scotland Food & Drink, for its Demerara Shortbread.

(GK)