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Highland mothers’ craft gin takes off with Business Gateway boost
Bealach Gin Co-Founders Catriona and Cara
Two local mums have turned their shared passion for gin and the Highlands into a successful craft gin business in just eight months.
Catriona It is Face first launched Bealach Gin in October 2023. The pair met at a local mothers and toddlers group and quickly became firm friends, realising that not only did they share a love of motherhood, but they were also both gin enthusiasts.
Inspired by the rugged landscape of their surroundings, the pair wanted to make a gin that reflected their home. The result was Bealach Highland Gin – a smooth spirit with a distinctive, flavoursome flavour thanks to the use of sustainably harvested local botanicals such as mulberry, myrtle and pine.
Bealach means “mountain pass” from Scottish Gaelic, a reference to the shores of Loch Lochy, where Catriona and Cara live.
The pair have received support from Business Gateway to launch their venture in October 2023. With the help of a seed grant from Highland Council, they have rapidly expanded production to meet growing demand.
Bealach Highland Gin, which is now in its fifth batch, is now stocked in seven different businesses within a 16-mile radius of Catriona and Cara’s base. The pair successfully applied for the Alcohol Wholesalers Registration Scheme through HMRC and now have plans to sell to local retailers and beyond in the future.
The gin was recently awarded silver at the International Wine & Spirit Competition, with judges describing the spirit as having “a lovely depth of flavour, balanced warmth and great complexity”.
Catriona Murch, co-founder of Bealach Gin, said: “After careful planning and market research, we knew we had a solid idea to launch our own craft gin. We contacted Business Gateway Highland and met with our consultant, who was immediately encouraging.
“We benefited greatly from the financial support from the initial grant, as there are a lot of costs to cover at the beginning.”
Diane Swanepoelstart-up consultant at Business Gateway Highland, said: “Catriona and Cara worked really hard last year to launch their craft gin, and I’m delighted that they can now call it an award-winning product.
“I would encourage anyone in the local area who is thinking of starting a business or expanding an existing business to contact Business Gateway as their first port of call and make the most of the financial support available.”