Sandy Fraser (pictured right with Stuart) and his sons Stuart and David are at the top of the family tree at The Oak Tree Inn at Balmaha, on the east side of Loch Lomond, where Sandy has been licensee and central to its success story for the last 21 years.
Together with wife Lucy, they built it from nothing (quite literally) to a turnover of £3M, and nine members of the family currently work in the business, which is currently undergoing a shake-up.
Said Stuart, “Family businesses can be difficult. We are coming to the end of a 30-month KTP (knowledge Transfer Partnership) in association with the University of the West of Scotland. An expert in the field has been working in the business to help us clearly define our roles and bring greater clarity and efficiencies. We put up £75K, which allowed us to access the same amount from the university. This involvement has led to less friction in the family. Now we have productive four-hour meetings!”