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A Scottish local authority has launched an innovative scheme giving public sector workers the opportunity to pursue alternative business careers.
The pilot scheme - run by Western Isles Council - will guarantee its own employees up to one year's unpaid leave to test out their business idea, allowing them to return to their post if their business proves to be non-viable.
"Making entrepreneurial activity a real possibility, while retaining job security, is a significant opportunity for people living and working in rural communities," says Scotland's Deputy Enterprise Minister Allan Wilson.
"I look forward to seeing the business plans that evolve from this pilot over the next two years and I encourage public sector workers with good proposals to plant the business seed and see what can grow."
Alex MacDonald, Convener of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council) said: "The Comhairle welcomes the pilot initiative in partnership with the (Scottish) Executive. This will give any member of our staff, who may be eligible to participate, the opportunity to put their enterprising ideas into practice, to further develop these ideas within the private sector - and to play their part in the future of the Outer Hebrides economy"
The Scottish Executive will fund the Public Sector Entrepreneur pilot to the tune of ?100,000 over its two-year life, covering expenses such as recruitment, training and administration.
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