Michael is one of the founders of Bòtann, who are on a mission to make wellies in Scotland again. As things stand, no one is making wellies in the UK. But these guys are set to change all that. We worked with Bòtann as part of our Crowdfunding Creativity Pilot with Creative Scotland in 2019.
We chatted to Michael at the start of the year to get his answers to our all-important Gold Nuggets questions!
What inspired the idea for Bòtann?
Bòtann is inspired by Scotland’s welly making heritage, particularly that of my hometown, Dumfries. My dad worked in the old welly factory that now, unfortunately, lies in ruin. So Bòtann is inspired by provenance, but also by company’s like Hiut Denim and Trakke, and by community and all that it means. It’s also inspired by a desire to make a difference by doing something different. We want to make wellies that people love to wear.
Top 3 tips for choosing your co-founders?
Complimentary skills
Chemistry
Robustness
Michael and his robust co-founders David Smith and Robert McCaffrey
What’s the best bit of advice you have been given and by whom?
I’m not sure if it’s the best bit of advice but it’s my favourite. When I was young my dad told me: “It doesn’t matter who starts the fight, you finish it”. If you can see past the violence, it’s about spirit. You’ve got to have spirit.
What’s your ambition for Bòtann?
We want to create jobs in Dumfries & Galloway while rediscovering a corner of Scotland’s heritage. To do that, we need to grow the business into a prosperous and sustainable position. Despite its infancy, Bòtann has already taken us on such a brilliant journey. We’re very excited about the future.
What song motivates you in the studio and why?
I’m not much of an Elvis fan but there’s a version of ‘Burning Love’ that’s been reworked by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, which makes my eyes water with energy and joy. Sometimes I listen to it four or five times in a row. Usually at full volume.