Ferguson Transport (Spean Bridge) increased turnover by almost 11% last year, despite downturns in some of the sectors it operates in.

The Highlands haulier said sales had increased to £16.4m in the year ending 30 April 2015, up from £14.7m in 2014.

However, pre-tax profit fell to £120,000, compared with £881,000 the previous year.

In its latest financial accounts the company said it had increased turnover “across a broad base of revenue streams” and that its net asset position had strengthened to almost £3.2m.

However, it added: “The company was affected by a downturn in the forestry and timber industry, health issues in the aquaculture sector and poor weather conditions in the winter months, impacting on the shipping and road transport.

“These factors contributed to the downturn in the profitability of the company, along with the costs incurred on the continued enhancement of the company’s infrastructure.”

It predicted continued organic growth throughout the port, shipping and road transport activities, due to customers’ projected growth.

MD Alasdair Ferguson did not comment.

In March 2015, Ferguson Transport bought Skye Transport (Crossal) for an undisclosed sum and it was merged into the Ferguson Transport group of companies trading as Ferguson Transport & Shipping.

At the time, Ferguson said the move demonstrated “further steady growth within our group in areas that we see fitting in well with existing business and contracts.”

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