Elaine plaid her cards right and now owns a gift shop

Each week, we ask small businesses key questions. Here we speak to Elaine Bunce, who runs Eden Watermill gift shop and tearooms in King Edward, near Banff

How and why did you start in business?

I had been making Harris Tweed products for friends and family, while working full-time.

In 2013, I had the opportunity to go it alone with my handbags and launched Needlenose Arts, which began slowly and very locally.

I received some excellent advice along the way from various organisations, including the Federation of Small Businesses, which offered me support when I needed it most. Now I ship tweed and tartan bags all over the world.

How did you get where you are today?

I graduated as a stage manager from the Central School of Speech and Drama in London in 1992, and went on to work on several west end produc- tions within the wardrobe departments.

I worked with many costume designers, which introduced me to my passion for fabrics and colour.

I moved to Skye in 2007, discovering the incredible diversity of Scot- tish textiles, and have never looked back.

Who helped you?

Without doubt, my mum was my biggest inspiration. She was a self-taught costume-maker and taught me to sew at a very early age. My dad built his own business from nothing, so indirectly I watched and learned from him.

I owe all I have done and achieved to them, my friends and, of course, my long-suffering husband, Steve.

What was your biggest mistake?

Not finding my self-confidence until I was in my 40s. I wish I'd been able to push myself further earlier in life.

What is your biggest achievement?

Opening Eden Watermill. It is a unique building, which has presented a few interesting hurdles. It is a beautiful, working water mill, in the heart of north Aberdeenshire.

If you were in power in government, what would you change?

I'd make it more difficult for politicians to pass laws that directly benefit themselves, rather than the people they are supposed to represent.

What else do you still hope to achieve?

I hope Eden Watermill will be recognised as a unique venue for the area, attracting musical and arts events, while provid- ing a rural idyll for everyone to enjoy.

What do you do to relax?

I'm usually playing around with bits of fabric or wool, and I'll happily spend hours in the evenings creating things, or searching the internet for new ideas – usually with a glass of wine.

What are you currently reading, listening to or glued to on the TV?

I am not hooked on anything in particular at the moment, but love a good drama on TV.

What do you waste your money on?

I rarely waste money on anything, but will spend cash on family, friends, food and fabric.

How would your friends describe you?

She enjoys a good laugh, a good dance and a good cuddle.

What would your enemies say about you?

Oh no, she wants another cuddle.

What do you drive and dream of driving?

I drive an ageing Mercedes, which is pretty flash for me. I honestly don't have a dream car. If it starts and stops when I need it to, I'm happy.

“It is a unique building, which has presented a few interesting hurdles. It is beautiful”

RURAL IDYLL: Owner Elaine Bunce at the working watermill and gift shop which lies off the A947 south of Banff

Elaine Bunce in the coffee shop at Eden Watermill