New business venture benefits from HOIL support - Remotely Operated Vehicles - The Future Of Underwater Operations?

12th June 2025

Highland Opportunity (Investments) Limited, HOIL has recently provided Sgùrr Access and Marine Services Limited with loan assistance towards their start-up costs for a new business venture based in Kyle of Lochalsh.

HOIL, The Highland Council's business loan company offers loan support to Highland based businesses and community organisations, who can benefit from straightforward loan conditions and a tailored offer to support their project.

Sgùrr Access and Marine Services Limited approached HOIL for a loan to support initial investment start-up costs for a new business venture. The loan funds provided were used to purchase specialised equipment to carry out Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) inspection services for the aquaculture and marine leisure sectors across Scotland, but particularly on the West Highland coast.

Sgùrr Access and Marine Services Limited is a newly established company which is based in Kyle of Lochalsh. They provide ROV mooring and marine infrastructure inspection services as an alternative to commercial divers. The use of ROV technology delivers cost-effective, enhanced safety and accurate inspection services, which are essential for aquaculture companies, mooring associations and local authorities managing marine infrastructure.

Chair of HOIL, Councillor Paul Oldham, said: "I welcome this opportunity to help Sgùrr Access and Marine Services Limited get their business underway as it seems like they have found a good market to be able to service in a new way. I wish Lewis every success.

"The Opportunity Fund from HOIL provides accessible and affordable finance for start-ups and growing businesses across the Highlands and is one of several funds we can use to help projects across the area."

Lewis MacLeod, Director of Sgurr Access and Marine Services Limited said: “The loan I received from HOIL was instrumental in helping me launch my ROV inspection business in the Highlands. I have been able to invest in high-quality equipment and cover initial setup costs, which would have been difficult to fund on my own. Thanks to their early backing, I was able to get the business off the ground quickly and start delivering cost-effective, high-resolution inspection services to clients across Scotland.”

To find out more about the support HOIL can provide businesses with, visit www.hoil.co.uk or email hoil@highland.gov.uk