New lease of life for former BSW sawmill yard by Boat of Garten
The 13 acre former BSW sawmill site by Boat of Garten has been bought with plans to turn it into a business park.
Nethy Steel Ltd has acquired the extensive holding by the A95 which was vacated by the timber manufacturers and merchants when they ceased operations in autumn 2022 with the loss of 40 jobs.
New owners Ross and Heidi Stuart have set up Cairngorms Enterprise Park Limited and initially plan to develop part of the site to offer affordable industrial units in various sizes.
The couple have built Nethy Steel Limited over the past 25 years with the family run business now supplying steel framed kits and steel cladding solutions across the North of Scotland.
Mr Stuart said: “We know through our own experience how difficult it is - particularly for the trade and construction sectors - to find affordable units to operate from and this has hindered our own growth at Nethy Steel.
“We currently have a unit in Grantown which is bursting at the seams and we have been looking, so far unsuccessfully, for suitable units to expand into.
“The Cairngorms Enterprise Park will enable Nethy Steel to expand and hopefully help many more local businesses fulfil their potential.
“Our initial plan is to clean up the site and refurbish and let some of the eight existing buildings. Nethy Steel will be the first tenant.”
The Nethy Bridge based entrepreneurs are keen to engage with individuals, businesses and community groups interested in using part of the extensive site.
Mrs Stuart commented “The site is really, really big and our imagination as to what might be possible on the site has been running wild.
“We would love to hear from anybody who might have an interest in using part of the site and we are particularly keen to hear from community groups who may need some space.”
Acquisition by local company is welcomed
The company was assisted in the purchase by their advisor Kingussie-based Mark Tate of Mark Tate Associates and Nethy-based Ken Pritchard, of Pritchard Property Consultants.
Mr Tate commented: “It has been such a privilege supporting Ross and Heidi to acquire this site.
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“They really understand the challenges faced by many local businesses finding the right space from which they can operate and expand.
“From my time at the Cairngorms Business Partnership I know just how much of a need there is for flexible space, particularly for small industrial units, and how much a lack of such space has hindered the local economy.”
Cairngorms National Park Authority bosses are also delighted to see the site go to a local business.
Chief executive Grant Moir said: “We are so pleased that this site has been acquired by an ambitious Cairngorms based business who really understand the needs of the local economy.
“We have already met with the team at Cairngorms Enterprise Park and are looking forward to working with them to help deliver a site that supports a range of local businesses and the wider Cairngorms economy.”
Strathspey MSP Fergus Ewing said: “This is an established industrial site, and news that it is set to be given a fresh life as the base for local businesses is welcome.
“Badenoch and Strathspey has a strong base in the trade, construction and house building sector. It is a key part of the economy…
“The site is very big indeed, and no doubt there will be many factors to be considered by the new owners, and costs involved.
“It is very encouraging indeed to see a local business take on the site, and I very much hope that it can become a good home for small to medium size local businesses.
“I imagine that the new owners will require some support in their endeavours, and hope this will be made available.”
Craig Mills, Cairngorm Business Partnership chief, said: "It is fantastic to hear the news of Ross and Heidi's acquisition of this site.
“Their vision for developing the land sounds truly exciting and represents a significant positive step.
“We are looking forward to the prospect of collaborating closely with them to ensure their new venture not only thrives but also brings widespread success to all involved.
“In the current climate, it is particularly heartening to witness such positive developments, and we eagerly anticipate working hand-in-hand with Ross and Heidi to help them achieve their ambitious goals."
BSW’s long time home
The Boat of Garten sawmill was opened in 1971 and was one of the oldest of the BSW’s seven sawmills in the UK.
BSW’s owners said at the time the decision was a result of a global downturn across the industry and the drive to improve efficiencies.
Binderholz had just acquired the business a short time before from Endless equity house.
Mr Stuart stems from a family engrained in generations of steel erectors whilst Mrs Stuart has a passion working with small businesses mostly previously in the food and drink sector.
Nethy Steel Ltd has outgrown its unit on Grantown’s Woodlands Industrial Estate.
Working with a wider team, the business offers full turn-key packages, over cladding of buildings, asbestos works and private house roofs including recently teaming up with Inverness-based Makar Homes.
