Builder and entrepreneur, Angus MacIsaac, has been announced as one of six finalists in the 2008 'Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust (PSYBT) 'Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards'.

Angus (31), founder of Western Isles building company, AJ MacIsaac Builders, fought off stiff competition from hundreds of young business start-ups throughout Scotland to compete for the coveted national title, at an award ceremony taking place in Glasgow on the 17th November with the support of Microsoft.

If he wins, in addition to being crowned PSYBT 'Young Entrepreneur of the Year', he will also receive a £2,000 cash prize to further develop the business.

Originally from Uist, where he trained as a qualified bricklayer, Angus took up employment in Barra and after seeing a dramatic increase in demand for local house-building on the Island he decided to set up his own building company.

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AJ MacIsaac Builders was formed in February 2007 and Angus quickly established an excellent reputation for both modern bricklaying and building using traditional materials and techniques whenever possible. His business has grown substantially on the back of regular contracts and word of mouth referrals and he now employs one other tradesmen and two apprentices.

Commenting on the six finalists' achievements, PSYBT Chief Executive Mark Strudwick, said "For me, this year's PSYBT Young Entrepreneur finalists have been truly exceptional. In a difficult economic climate, these young entrepreneurs have exemplified the determination, the will to succeed and the ability to turn an idea into a viable business."

The five other finalists are Hamish Robertson of Robertson Technologies in Edinburgh who provides full computer support and data back up services; Mark Beaumont of Unique Care Solutions in West Lothian which provides bespoke care services to the elderly, frail, disabled, chronically sick and palliative clients; Alasdair Allan and Mark Watson, owners of the Dunfermline branch of the global estate agency RE/MAX; James Watt and Martin Dickie, founders of microbrewery BrewDog based in Fraserburgh and Cade Sutherland, owner of Dundee Chiropractic Ltd which provides sports injury management, proactive healthcare and occupational injury rehabilitation.

(GK/JM)