Boot makers seek royalty payments

The Queen film has boosted the profile of British goods in the US

New management at Hunter Boot Ltd in Dumfries have taken major strides towards unlocking the American market.

The company has set its sights on selling its famous wellington boots on the back of films like The Queen.

A small office in Seventh Avenue in New York has been set up to try to tap into those sales opportunities.

Managing Director Malcolm Cannon has also renewed the firm's commitment to production in Dumfries despite lease difficulties at its current site.

The Hunter Rubber Company went into administration earlier this year with a new consortium taking over.

I don't think there is any intention to lose the association with the town Malcolm Cannon Managing director

Mr Cannon said he was optimistic for the future of the business.

"The exciting up-side is without a doubt that America represents a fantastic opportunity for us," he said.

"There is no doubt that the recent film The Queen has raised all sorts of exposure of British and Scottish produced goods.

"Hunter has a great opportunity on the back of that groundswell of interest."

Despite its US ambitions, Mr Cannon said the new owners recognised the important link between Hunter and Dumfries.

"We have got some fantastic people here," he said.

"The people who have been part of this business for a long time are a tremendous asset.

"I don't think there is any intention to lose the association with the town."

Lease discussions

He added that quitting Dumfries was "so far down the options as to not really be viable".

Discussions are currently ongoing between Hunter and site owners Interfloor about the lease of the Heathhall plant.

"We are assessing the commercial viability of producing here against producing elsewhere," said Mr Cannon.

"But no decisions have been made."