THE Isle of Cumbrae Distillers has linked up with a celebrated Scottish painter for a new gin celebrating women and a special island resident.

The female-run firm has launched its new Maura brand, which aims to commemorate the saint who settled on Great Cumbrae in the 7th Century and helped spread Christianity.

The distillers have joined forces with one of Scotland’s most highly regarded artists, Hope Blamire, pictured, to promote its fourth launch.

Distiller Bronwyn Jenkins-Deas says the new label has so many stories that it will be hard for gin lovers to spot them all.

She said: “When we first connected with Hope almost a year ago, she agreed to design our label and we sat down with her over Zoom with so many ideas in our minds.

“From saints and Vikings to ships' captains and smugglers, local landmarks and national symbols to flowers, birds and animals of the west coast, we wanted something that really said Cumbrae.

“We were thrilled to be presented with the history of the west coast of Scotland from the 7th Century through to the present, with woman at the heart of the piece.

“There are so many amazing stories and features on this stunning label, people perhaps won’t be able to spot them all.”

The ladies have even registered their own new tartan that features on the bottle – and plan to branch out into other items.

Bronwyn explained: “With the expert assistance of St. Kilda Store in Edinburgh, we've designed a gorgeous tartan for our bottleneck.

“Maura tartan is now an official Scottish tartan, registered with the Scottish Register. We are one of the only gins in the world with its own tartan.

“Our next project will be to have this beautiful tartan made for lampshades and other items that people might want.”

Botanicals included in the latest gin feature delicate wildflowers and berries of Scotland's west coast including raspberry, red clover and elderflower.

For more information, go to www.isleofcumbrae-distillers.com.