Ambition Case Studies

Scott Wilson expands his timber business and contributes to rural growth.

Scott Wilson and his partners at Rainbridge Timber bought Ailsa Wood Products in Old Dailly in 2015.

Their ambition was to make the business more sustainable and contribute towards rural growth. With help from the AMBITION programme, Ailsa Wood Products has now expanded its facilities and increased its number of local employees.

The company’s activity focussed on producing garden tubs from recycled whisky barrels, wooden bungs for distilleries and steel for barrels. Scott wanted to move the business forward by installing an onsite sawmill so they could manufacture their own materials – substituting the need for importing – and provide several jobs in the process. However, with the company’s rural location, there wasn’t enough power available to run the sawmill facility. The only way forward was to install a new system.

“With the daily demands of running the business, it was difficult for me to devote the necessary time to research funding opportunities,” explained Scott. “I discussed matters with a Business Gateway Adviser who was more than willing to help. He drew up a proposal on how the AMBITION programme could support our growth, and facilitated everything for us.”

Ailsa Wood Products was awarded an AMBITION Growth Grant towards the provision of a megawatt power system, allowing the sawmill facility to go ahead.

“We really felt the people we dealt with via AMBITION did everything possible to support us. We’re delighted to have achieved our own business ambition, while contributing to rural growth in our area.”

The sawmill opened in March 2018. Ailsa Wood Products currently provides 15 sustainable jobs.