The managing director of Perth-based Merlin ERD, which provides advanced drilling engineering services, has praised Wood Group chief executive Bob Keiller for acting as his mentor over the past 18 months.

In a series of one-to-one sessions, the head of the Aberdeen-based multi-national oil and gas services group gave Iain Hutchison “generous and invaluable” guidance and encouragement.

Mr Keiller, who mentors up to three people at any one time, said: “I recall the many people who helped me in the early stages of my career, and I want to give something back to high-potential Scottish companies.

“It was clear when Iain approached me that Merlin ERD was a fantastic business, and if there was a way that I could support it, I would be only too willing to do so.

“A lot of experiences I have been through are relevant to Merlin’s situation, and the challenges Iain and I have faced are similar in so many ways. I am confident that Iain now has a clear sense of what the future might hold and how to get there.”

Mr Hutchison said: “Bob Keiller’s mentoring has been inspirational. It is wonderful to have someone with his credibility and with no vested interest to challenge you so candidly. It is great to have someone to help you see the options and how to choose — a man who has been there before and can help you focus and manage your aspirations.”

Last year, Merlin ERD won a Queen’s Award. Mr Hutchison was then short-listed for the title of Scotland’s Leading Entrepreneur in the Scottish Chambers of Commerce Scottish Business Honours. The company also won the Perthshire Chamber of Commerce’s Business Of The Year award.