If you’ve been following local business news in Elgin or across Moray, you’ve probably seen the name Archie MacRae pop up more than once. He’s the 18-year-old behind Nightingweb, a web design company that’s quickly becoming a go-to choice for local businesses that want a clean, modern website without endless delays or inflated pricing.
What makes his story stand out isn’t just his age. It’s the fact that he stepped up, bought an established Elgin-based business, and went all in on helping other business owners improve how they show up online.
A young business owner with a clear mission
Before taking over Nightingweb, Archie spent his early teenage years trying different side hustles. He washed cars, cut lawns, edited videos, built small websites – anything that let him test ideas and earn money.
Most people at 18 are still deciding what direction to take. Archie decided to take on a full business instead.
He took over Nightingweb from its founder, Chema Perez, who started the company back in 2016. Since then, Archie has kept the focus simple: build fast, mobile-friendly websites for local companies in Elgin – Moray, and the surrounding area.
His approach is straightforward: good communication, quick turnaround, and websites designed to get real enquiries and sales.
Proving age isn’t the barrier people think it is
Some people might hesitate when they hear an 18-year-old runs the company. Archie doesn’t mind that. In fact, he sees it as an advantage.
He often says that creativity is sharper when you’re young and constantly adapting to new trends. Spending years on social media hasn’t just been scrolling – it’s shaped how he understands branding, design, and online behaviour.
He also points out something every business owner in Moray now realises: results matter more than age. If your new website loads fast, looks good, and brings in customers, the date on someone’s driving licence isn’t that important.
A story meant to inspire others
One of the biggest angles in the recent articles about Archie is his openness about his own struggles. Before discovering entrepreneurship, he faced challenges in school, including exclusions, ADHD, and autism.
It could have pushed him off track. Instead, it pushed him forward.
Now he wants younger people who feel stuck or misunderstood to see another path. Not everyone fits the standard route. Some build something of their own.
His long-term vision is to turn Nightingweb into a wider startup hub: helping founders register companies, design logos, build websites, create business cards, and eventually even join networking events he plans to host.
For now though, the focus is laser-sharp: deliver solid, affordable websites for businesses in Moray.
Helping Moray businesses get online the right way
Nightingweb already works with a range of clients – from salons and rentals to charities and radio stations. Archie is also behind the Start, Build, Grow podcast, where he interviews other business owners across Scotland to bring more insight into the local entrepreneurial world.
His philosophy is simple. Social media helps people find you, but your website is where they actually decide to trust you, buy from you, or contact you. That’s why he pushes businesses in Elgin and Moray to treat their website like a serious part of their marketing.
One message he keeps coming back to
“If I can do it, others can too.”
It’s a line repeated across both news articles, and it sums up why his story has resonated locally. Whether he’s building a website for a new business owner or sharing advice on his podcast, the goal is always the same: help people build something real.
If you’re a local business in Elgin or Moray looking to get online properly, Nightingweb is here for exactly that. You can reach Archie at archie@nightingweb.com or 01343 343 452
Want to see more of the story? You’ll find the recent coverage in both the Press & Journal and the Northern Scot, and more updates will be coming as Nightingweb continues to grow.
