About the business
Opened in 2020 on the Isle of Bute, Isle of Bute Distillery is known for producing a range of handcrafted gin using local botanicals and Loch Ascog water, with unique flavours like a world-first Oyster Gin, which brings the taste of Bute to every sip. The company also produces a range of beers, Bute Brew Co, including a hazy IPA, a pale ale and a crisp lager.
Business Gateway has been part of our journey since we first launched. From early advice to ongoing support as we’ve grown, they’ve helped us shape Isle of Bute Distillery into the brand that it is today. Having that guidance available locally has been invaluable.
Business Gateway has been supporting husband-and-wife team, Rhona and Jack, the owners of Isle of Bute Distillery, from the outset, helping to guide their business’s expansion from an idea in Rothesay to a fully operational distillery, complemented by an open-plan agricultural shed event space, ButeYard LTD.
Recent Business Gateway support has seen the couple successful in securing funding through the Council’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, from the UK Government. This has helped a range of business development initiatives including revamping their website to integrate it better with social media, a brewing consultant to help get the production of beer cans and up running, having historically only produced kegs, and training on how best to maximise Isle of Bute Distillery’s location in a Scottish tourism industry context. In addition, Expert Help support on Internationalisation has enabled the business to explore new markets.
Turnover for Isle of Bute Distillery has risen sharply, thanks largely to the launch of the new range of beers under the Bute Brew Co brand. The products have quickly proven popular, with 150 cases supplied to Butefest over the summer and regular weekly sales of £400 to CalMac Ferries.
A refreshed brand and recycled packaging have further enhanced the appeal of its products.
Isle of Bute Distillery has also expanded its workforce by two full-time employees and added 15 hours a week of marketing support.
Highlighting its growing national presence, Isle of Bute Distillery’s Oyster Gin was launched in Fortnum & Mason in September, marking a major milestone for the brand and cementing its reputation for quality spirits.
Rhona Madigan-Wheatley, Founder, Isle of Bute Distillery, said: “Business Gateway has been part of our journey since we first launched. From early advice to ongoing support as we’ve grown, they’ve helped us shape Isle of Bute Distillery into the brand that it is today. Having that guidance available locally has been invaluable.
“The team feel like an old friend who is always available to point us in the right direction and consistently encourage us. Looking back at our first projected turnover and staff figures together, it’s fantastic to see how far we’ve come since those early days.
“If you’re a new business and feel like you’re too small for Business Gateway, I’d really urge you to reach out. No question is too small and no vision too big. Their support meets you where you are, and that makes all the difference.”