The all-female team behind an award-winning distillery on Cumbrae are passing on the reins.
Isle of Cumbrae Distillers have announced that a young couple from Kilwinning are taking on the management of the distillery in Millport.
Caroline Christie and Struan Fraser will work alongside the current team to bring new skills and ideas to the business, and the island, before becoming full owners in the next few years.
The news comes a day after the organisation, run by Bronwyn Jenkins-Deas, Juli Dempsey, Lynda Gill, Philippa Dalton and Jenine Ward, was selected as the gin distillery of the year at the Corporate LiveWire Global Awards 2023/24.
READ MORE: Award-winning distillers win top prize to mark five year anniversary of business
In a statement online, they have thanked the community for their ongoing support since they launched in 2019.
In a statement online, a spokesperson said: "When we launched the distillery in 2019, our goal was to establish a successful island business that created employment for Millport and increased tourism for the island.
"Over the past five years, we have exceeded our goals with five gins and multiple awards, creating employment for islanders, and bringing many new tourists to Millport from around the world.
"We are immensely proud of our accomplishments. Your support, encouragement, and love of our gins have been a huge part of our success.
"Last year, as we began planning for the next five years, we knew we were at a critical point of growth and had two options; to commit to another five years or identify the next generation of Isle of Cumbrae Distillers, who would take the business to the next level.
"A chance meeting at Geraldo’s late last year became the catalyst for the future, and a turning point for Isle of Cumbrae Distillers.
"We are extremely excited to introduce you to Caroline and Struan, a fabulous young couple from Kilwinning, who are taking on the full management of the distillery from April and will transition to full ownership over the next two to threeyears.
"While only one of the distillers, Juli, will remain, all five of us are working with Caroline and Struan to ensure a smooth transition.
"Caroline and Struan bring new skills, ideas, and a passion for the drinks industry, along with a genuine desire to invest in and contribute to the island and greater community.
"It is an exciting day for the distillery and for the island; of course, it is also a sad day for us as we end this amazing chapter together as one of Scotland’s only women’s owned distilleries.
"A love of the island, and gin, first brought us together in the Twa Dugs bar five fateful years ago. We launched our first gin, after a successful crowdfund campaign and with the support of so many, right in the middle of the pandemic.
"Eleven global gin awards, Ayrshire Businesswomen of the Year and Scotland’s Businesswomen of the Year; we have done so much, learned so much, and feel so fortunate to have had this life-changing experience.
"We sincerely appreciate your support over the past five years; we couldn’t have done it without you.
"To our community of Millport, thank you for believing in us and being such an important part of our journey.
"We are proud that we can leave a successful business and a legacy for the island.
"We could not be happier for Caroline and Struan and know that the distillery will remain in excellent hands and prosper and grow for many years to come. Watch this space and anticipate great things to come!"
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