A Hebridean isle’s whole population was invited along to the opening of a whisky and gin distillery yesterday.
The Isle of Harris Distillers’ new site is the culmination of a seven-year project to establish the island’s first official whisky-making facility.
Already dubbed “the social distillery”, it is expected to deliver an economic boost and ultimately 20 jobs in an area where long-term employment is difficult to find.
Managing director Simon Erlanger said: “Our story is absolutely connected to island life. It’s about the people of Harris and we wanted to show that in the celebrations for our opening.”
Chairman and founder Anderson Bakewell added: “It is on this special island that conditions prevail for the production and maturation of a unique and exceedingly fine malt whisky.
“As if that was not enough, we have every expectation that it should inspire creative initiatives – entrepreneurial, cultural and social – for the benefit of the island’s future, helping to retain those here and attract back those who left.”
Three generations of islanders had leading roles in the Tarbert plant’s official opening.
Distillery guest team manager Shona Macleod, pupils from Harris’s two primary schools and John Murdo Morrison, retired Deputy Lord Lieutenant of the Western Isles, were chosen for the ceremonial honours.
They each placed a peat on the fire in the distillery foyer, symbolising the warmth of Harris hospitality and the role of a key ingredient in Hebridean whisky-making.
The distillery will produce the equivalent of 300,000 standard 70cl bottles a year of a single malt, The Hearach, named after the Gaelic word for someone from Harris.
It will also produce gin with a Hebridean twist – sugar kelp, harvested from the sea near Harris, is one of the ingredients.
Yesterday’s guests – after enjoying a behind-the-scenes tour – had a chance to try the new gin, which is only on sale at the distillery.
The celebrations ended with a ceilidh, with many of the island’s near 2,000-strong population taking the opportunity to toast the occasion.
A total of £8.3million of equity and more than £3million in grants was raised to get the distillery up and running, with the funding drive attracting support from 17 investors in Europe, the US and the Far East.
Scottish backing included a £1.5million equity investment from the Scottish Investment Bank, part of Scottish Enterprise, and £1.9million from the Scottish Government’s food processing, marketing and co-operation scheme. Highlands and Islands Enterprise chipped in £1.3million.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “Whisky is loved around the world and many island communities already reap the benefits of having a distillery through sustaining jobs, attracting visitors and supporting tourism businesses.
“I’m delighted to see the distillery open and am sure that the whisky will develop a great reputation for quality.”