THE founder of an Arrochar business set up to teach English to overseas students has been nominated for a top award.

Gail Ritchie, from the Ardmay House International Summer School, is one of four nominees for the International Growth of the Year prize at the Business Women in Scotland's annual ceremony.

The nomination follows a 40 per cent increase this year on the number of students attending the Ardmay summer school.

“We had a really successful summer this year,” Gail told the Advertiser.

“We've moved into new markets and increased our Chinese sales dramatically – the number of students from China this year rose 170 per cent, and our turnover in the Chinese market showed a 154 per cent increase.”

The length of the Ardmay summer school course has also increased, from six weeks to seven, while 24 nationalities were represented among the two hundred pupils, aged from eight to 16, who attended this summer, from as far afield as Israel, Argentina and Uzbekistan as well as from China and across Europe

The school combines an intensive English language course for international students with outdoor activities in the National Park area and day trips to Helensburgh, Lomond Shores, Inveraray, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

“The pupils generally come to us for two or three weeks, although a few do come for the full summer,” Gail continued.

“The idea is to enable them to learn English in a fun, safe environment. We're a family business, and all our people are really friendly.

“We think we offer something different to the language schools in the south-east of England, which is potentially the most popular area in terms of population.”

The first summer school, held in 2011, attracted only 15 pupils to Ardmay – but thanks to an intensive marketing campaign – and an awful lot of travelling! - Gail has turned the school into a real year-round business, even if the school itself lasts only for a relatively short time.

“I used to be a French teacher,” Gail added, “and I also taught English as a foreign language in various summer schools.

“But I felt students weren't getting the best experience of Scotland. I wanted to set up a high-end summer school that would offer young people the very best of the country – we have a great location, and some of the very best museums, attractions and outdoor activities on our doorstep.

“It's really important to me that our students come back to Scotland in the future after attending Ardmay – either by attending the summer school again next year or by returning with their own children in 20 years' time.”

Gail is up against Jane Wylie-Roberts of Kingpin International in Edinburgh, Leah Hutcheon from Appointedd, also in Edinburgh, and Fi Douglas of Glasgow-based bluebellgray for the International Growth award.

The awards ceremony – hosted by STV newsreader Rachel McTavish and also featuring Carol Smillie as a guest speaker – takes place at the Grand Central Hotel in Glasgow on Thursday, October 27.