AN Isle of Lewis candle-making business with a commitment to reducing single-use packaging has secured £230,114 in investment from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).
The funding will support the expansion of Sandwick Bay Candle Company, which has relocated its manufacturing operations to the former Blackhouse Bakery premises in Plasterfield.
The building has been transformed into a modern production facility – complete with space for candle-making workshops and events, helping to attract both local people and visitors, including cruise ship passengers. The original South Beach Street shop will remain, continuing to offer the brand’s range of hand-made eco-friendly products.
This aligns with Sandwick Bay Candle Company’s wider commitment to reducing single-use packaging and supporting the transition to net zero. The expanded space will also allow the business to host regular workshops, tapping into the growing demand for experimental tourism.
The company has also removed plastic from many product lines and introduced eco-friendly packaging for postal orders, reinforcing its dedication to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Kathleen Stewart, area team leader at HIE’s Innse Gall team, said, “The creation of a bespoke manufacturing facility will support the company’s continued growth, helping to retain and create valuable local jobs.
“We’re delighted to support Sandwick Bay Candle Company in this exciting phase and look forward to working with them as the project develops.”
The company has also been supported by HIE’s Artificial Intelligence learning journey, mentoring and readiness support programmes. This support has enabled the company to explore new AI‑driven technologies and integrate it into their operations.
Founder, Megan MacDonald, has recently taken part on three of HIE’s learning journeys – Innovation Week in Prague, AI and Big Data in London and a packaging conference in Birmingham. She also completed HIE’s 12-week New Product Development programme which she has said completely changed the way she looked at her business and uses the lessons learned daily in her business.
Megan said, “The support and funding we’ve received has been transformational for the business. It’s allowed us to invest in our production space and will create new jobs that support both the business and the wider community. Being able to expand while staying rooted in the community is incredibly important to me, and this investment helps ensure Sandwick Bay Candle Company remains a vital, long-term part of the local economy.”
