It is often interesting to hear from entrepreneurs what drives them.

Their motivations are many and varied.

Sometimes, there is a predictability about it. Some entrepreneurs are focused firmly on making money and love the trappings of wealth. On occasion, they seem preoccupied with their perception of their status relative to others.

Often, however, the motivation is far more interesting.

In this vein, it was fascinating to hear from Isle of Skye Candle Company co-owners James and Raghnall Robertson about what had driven them to establish and expand their enterprise as they talked about the takeover of another business on the island.

The acquisition, on which I reported exclusively earlier this month, is a compelling enough tale in itself.

Isle of Skye Candle Company came into being two decades ago when James Robertson, then aged 18, taught himself how to make candles in a converted Skye bothy.

And the business acquired by the company established by him and his brother is the soap firm that gave James Robertson his first job on the island.

Isle of Skye Candle Company, which now employs more than 100 people, declared as it revealed its acquisition of Isle of Skye Soap Company: “The deal brings together two Skye-founded brands and represents a full-circle moment for James Robertson, who first had the idea for the candle business while working for Isle of Skye Soap Company as a teenager.”

At the time, the soap business was buying candles from England to sell in its shop because there was no local supplier, Isle of Skye Candle Company........

© Herald Scotland