THE Western Isles were recognised for innovation at the recent UHI Business Idea Competition 2008, which was hosted by Inverness College UHI.
The first ever Gaelic karaoke DVD, developed and produced by Murray International Language Centre (MILC) in partnership with Pròiseact nan Ealan (PnE), was awarded third place in the Most Innovative Idea category for the Over 26's.
The competitio
n seeks to reward the strongest business ideas in the Highlands and Islands, Perthshire and Moray and saw over 86 entries this year, from budding entrepreneurs submitting their business ideas for consideration. It is run in partnership with Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Princes Scottish Youth Business Trust, Scottish Institute for Enterprise and Alchemy Plus.
Among the special guests at the ceremony were local business guru Peter Swanson, Chief Executive of Alchemy Plus and Mark Strudwick, CEO, Princes Scottish Youth Business Trust and former General Officer Commanding of the Scottish Army.
Kirstie Anderson, Audience Development Manager for PnE, attended the 'Dragon's Den' style panel interview that was the final part in the judge's decision making process.
She commented: "It was extremely daunting to be up in front of the panel. However, I found confidence from the absolute belief I have that the karaoke DVD is a brilliant and innovative idea – I'm so pleased that the judges saw that too! There were so many other great entries and I'm thrilled that 'Seinn thu Fhèin' stood out to the panel.
"We really thought about our market whilst developing the product, and I think they saw its potential as an unusual learning tool, but also as a really good way to have fun with all the family," she added.
For more on the DVD see this week's Stornoway Gazette, out on Thursday, December 11, or check out:
www.milc-uk.co.uk. 