Kintyre Gin ready to launch this summer

Kintyre Gin is expecting to launch this summer creating six new jobs. 

The renovation of outbuildings on Torrisdale Estate near Campbeltown, which will be home to Beinn an Tuirc Distillery, is nearing completion.

The company, established by estate owner Niall Macallister Hall, secured an investment of £24,276 from Highlands and Islands Enteprise (HIE). This investment will assist with the redevelopment of the distillery building and ensure the longer term sustainability of the business.

The project is expected to create up to six full time jobs in distilling, sales, operations and tour guides. A graduate placement with specialist distilling knowledge has already been recruited under the ScotGrad scheme, operated in the region by HIE.

The distillery, which will include a viewing area and tasting facility, will add to the area’s tourism offering, which is supported by flight and ferry connections in and out of Campbeltown, and the nearby ‘Kintyre Way’.

Beinn an Tuirc (hill of the boar) will be the first distillery of its kind to be powered by an on-site hydroelectric scheme.

The company plans to use a percentage of its profits to create a new charitable foundation. This will award funds to individuals or organisations based in Kintyre for projects particularly focussed on new business start-ups.

Liza Moran, business growth account manager with HIE, says: “Argyll and the Islands is renowned for its food and drink as well as tourism offerings. We expect Beinn an Tuirc Distillery to be a significant contributor to this growth sector. By creating valuable rural employment opportunities the company will also help strengthen resilience among local communities.

“We also welcome the proposed charitable foundation to be created by the business, which will help stimulate further economic growth in the area.”

Niall Macallister Hall says: “"We are really excited about the impending launch of the gin. It has taken a lot of hard work to get this far, and we wouldn’t be where we are without the advice, training and funding from HIE, as well as their support with the export market. We can't wait to get started."

It is anticipated the first batch of Kintyre gin will be produced in July 2017.

16 June 2017 - Sam Coyne The Drinks Report, news editor