Hebridean guesthouse owner boosted by free workshops

About the business

Galson Farm Guest House is an eight bedroom 18^th Century farmhouse and six-bedroom hostel on the Isle of Lewis, run by Elaine Fothergill and her partner Richard.

How Business Gateway has helped

In order to learn the digital skills required to grow a business, Elaine turned to Business Gateway and their digital skills programme, DigitalBoost. Elaine said: “I’ve learnt about marketing, Facebook, Instagram, GDPR and blogging. I didn’t know anything about how to use social media for business purposes, so the Business Gateway workshops have been very beneficial. We’ve only been on the island for 18 months, so the workshops have also provided excellent networking opportunities to connect with the community.”

Derek Maclean, Business Gateway Outer Hebrides, said: “Elaine had a clear vision of how she wanted to progress the business and she’s been successful with developing it to where it is now. She gained a lot from attending the Business Gateway and DigitalBoost workshops and is a very good example of how engaging with our free support can help existing businesses develop and grow.”

What’s next?

Elaine is currently in the process of updating one of her guest rooms and has recently launched a new website. “It’s going to be a sympathetic renovation and we’re using local craftsman to help support the island economy. I’m still making tweaks to our new website and I’m looking forward to starting our new blog.”