R&B Distillers (Raasay and Borders) have been granted permission by Highland Council to bring the first legal distillery to Raasay in the Inner Hebrides. R&B, founded by Alasdair Day and Bill Dobbie, currently produces a Borders whisky too.
The plans for Raasay, will see the former Borodale House, also formerly The Isle of Raasay Hotel, converted into a small distillery, and visitor experience centre.
The owners plan to market Raasay as a ‘a leading distiller of niche whiskies’ with batch production and whisky bar selling an extensive range of batch whiskies.”
R&B Distillers hopes to release the first batch of Raasay whisky by 2020 and produce up to 150,000 bottles of whisky a year thereafter. They aim to have the distillery up and running by the end of January 2017. They haven’t yet revealed where the new Borders distillery will they put it to a recent consumer vote, and the resounding vote was for Peebles.
Meanwhile R&B have also released a single malt whisky called ‘While We Wait’. This offers a preview of the calibre and flavour of whisky yet to come. It brings together two expressions from one distillery: one peated, one unpeated. Its newly released Borders whisky is a single grain whisky, lighter and softer in flavour than the smoky peat dram of While We Wait.
Scottish pub owners and operators in the Borders will now be able to apply for grants of up to £4,000 towards diversification schemes to improve local services after Pub is The Hub, the rural pubs champion, launched its initiative in partnership with Scottish Borders Council in Scotland. The initiative, which is initially a pilot, is also being backed by the Scottish Government to the tune of £30,000, is also sponsored by Diageo and the Prince of Wales Countryside Fund.
Over 60 pub operators, suppliers and local authority representatives attended the launch event in Lauder which began with a video announcement from Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Food and Environment, about the funding.
Pub is The Hub is a not-for-profit organisation which was founded in 2001 by HRH The Prince of Wales. in turn. Since its inception, it has supported hundreds of pub licensees and communities in diversifying their businesses in England and Wales, and this is its first initiative in Scotland.
The Pub is The Hub team offer advice, support and funding opportunities for pub operators and owners who are considering a diversification scheme to improve and support rural services. Examples of such schemes include siting post offices, shops, libraries, internet cafes, allotment schemes, school dinners, cash point machines, IT training and community cinemas in pubs.
Richard Lochhead said, “Pubs are often at the heart of rural communities and in some places are the only outlet left in the village. This scheme is a great way for businesses, the public sector and communities to work together to provide viable local services which contribute to the social fabric and economy of rural Scotland. That is why I am pleased to confirm the Scottish Government is providing £30,000 support for the Scottish Borders Pub is The Hub pilot.”
Chief Executive of Pub is The Hub, John Longden, said, “We are pleased that the Scottish Borders are ready to take the plunge with us and delighted that Scottish Government is supporting the scheme with some essential funding to give licensees the impetus to ‘have a go’. We are also grateful to the ever-present support of the Prince’s Countryside Fund and Diageo in all our major projects.”
Pub is The Hub has engaged the support of Gordon Izatt, an experienced advisor in licensed hospitality, to act as the advisor for Scotland and he will be the local point of contact and advice for licensees undertaking any schemes. In the meantime, anyone interested in finding out more can call the office on 01 423 546165 or email samhope@thepubisthehub.org.uk.
Mark Baird, Head of Industry Affairs and Alcohol Policy at Diageo is pictured with John Longden, Chief Executive of Pub is The Hub.
Broughton Ales, situated in the Scottish Borders, has been bought by drinks professionals David McGowan, Steve McCarney and John Hunt. The trio, all have a wealth of drinks experience, as well as a passion for beer.
David McGowan has 25 years drinks industry experience having worked in senior sales and marketing positions with Diageo, and Scottish & Newcastle. Steve McCarney was most recently Portfolio Director European Wholesale at Heineken in Amsterdam while John Hunt has spent over twenty years in the drinks industry, most recently with Heineken in Amsterdam where he was Executive Director Global Strategy. Prior to this role, he was MD of Heineken’s Development Markets in Western Europe.
McGowan takes on the role of General Manager while Steve McCarney takes responsibility for Marketing and John Hunt will be responsible for finance and strategy.
David McGowan said of the acquisition, “We are inheriting a wonderful range of beers, from traditional brands like Old Jock to the innovative Hopopotamus.
He continued, “We want to build on the reputation for quality, work with our customers, and ensure Broughton is at the forefront of Scotland’s beer resurgence.”
Broughton Brewery, which was founded in 1979, has in its portfolio Greenmantle Ale, Old Jock, Hopopotamus IPA and Blonde Lager.
Broughton Ales currently has six employees working in brewing, distribution, sales and administration.
The former Borders site situated between Buchanan Street and Royal Exchange Square in Glasgow is now a Zizzi’s. In fact it is the company’s first Scottish bar and restaurant. The building has been totally renovated and opened for business last month.