A businessman who seized the opportunity to set up his own business near West Linton has scooped a national tourism award.
At this year’s Moffat Travel and Tourism Awards, Jamie Flynn, 23, won the Personal Growth and Development Award and a £1,000 prize.
Flynn owns Don Coyote Outdoor Centre in Lamancha, which has grown thanks to his determination and the support of The Prince’s Trust Youth Business Scotland (YBS).
The YBS helps 18-30 year olds start up and grow their own businesses by providing financial support and guidance from business mentors.
Flynn, who set up the outdoor centre in 2010, said: “Since the outset the business has grown and developed year on year and looks set to continue to do so. With the help of YBS the business is in a state of growth and expansion.
“Without both funding and advice I feel I would not have been able to make the business a success.
“My family had always run this sort of thing, but it had stopped for a while. However, after high school I went to university to do a business degree to get the know-how to run a business successfully.”
After initially offering off-road karting, the centre has slowly expanded to include clay pigeon and target shooting, and he plans to offer archery and Zorbing (rolling down hill strapped in a large inflatable ball).
The Moffat Awards are run by YBS thanks to generous support from The Moffat Charitable Trust, which has pledged almost £300,000 to support young people demonstrating outstanding talent in the Scottish tourism and travel industry.
Flynn said: “I was quite surprised to win the award. They are Scotland-wide, so it was really nice to be recognised, and the money will be put to good use.”
On behalf of the trust, Jamie Moffat said: “Young people are the lifeblood of the Scottish tourism industry and we want to be able to support them in their future goals and aspirations.
“It is encouraging to see so many young people in Scotland have a passion for business and this must be nurtured in order for them to thrive.”