These women's work: spotlight on four women turning ideas into industry

Stunning views go with the territory in Assynt, renowned for its potent mix of sea, mountains and moorland – and for its community land buyout. This one, though, is different. A washing line outside a former crofting cottage heaves with hanks of yarn dyed in an array of glorious colours. As a woman carefully hangs them out, two small dogs at her feet, you notice none of the lengths of wool is quite the same as any other. This is what makes the yarns so special, explains Helen Lockhart, who spends many hours making sure they are as beautiful and vibrant as the surrounding scenery which inspires them.