Fin and Eileen Geekie moved to the island after spending 30 years in Oxfordshire pursuing successful careers in property and HR respectively.
With support from Business Gateway Argyll and Bute, the couple decided to turn their interest in gin into a business, launching Wild Thyme Spirits Ltd last year.
The company’s first product, Colonsay Gin, has won two international awards and is available in over 90 stockists across the UK with plans to export to Canada.
Fin said: “It was always our plan to move to a western island as we both wanted to return to Scotland eventually and had fond memories of the area from childhood holidays. We discovered Colonsay in 2007 but it took a while to buy and then renovate the house so we didn’t properly make the move until 2016. We didn’t want to retire and needed something to keep us busy and as we had developed a keen interest in all things gin by then it was a natural move to turn it into a business.
“We received support and expert help from the team at our local Business Gateway. Through the Business Gateway Local Growth Accelerator Programme we were able to access a specialist in marketing as well as funding for trade fair attendance. All of which has given us a massive boost.” The Business Gateway Local Growth Accelerator Programme is funded by Argyll and Bute Council and the European Regional Development Fund.
The success of Colonsay Gin has led Fin and Eileen to offer Gin Lovers retreats, making use of the on-site accommodation built during the renovations. The weekend retreat offers visitors and gin enthusiasts a chance to choose from over 200 gins and eat fantastic food whilst taking in the remote and beautiful scenery of the island.
We received support and expert help from the team at our local Business Gateway. Through the Business Gateway Local Growth Accelerator programme we were able to access a specialist in marketing as well as funding for trade fair attendance.
Fin added: “We’re overwhelmed by the response we’ve had to Colonsay Gin. We’re very proud of our product and it was fantastic to produce our 3000th bottle last month. We have planning permission for our own distillery on the island which will see building works start in the spring of next year and we’re hoping to finalise our first exporting ambitions to Canada shortly.
“We are also very aware of how important business is to the future sustainability of the island and we’re keen to start employing people as soon as we can.”
Barbara Halliday, Business Adviser, Business Gateway Argyll and Bute said: “Wild Thyme Spirits is a wonderful addition to the rich food and drink industry in our region. Fin and Eileen accessed a range of our services both as a start-up and currently as a developing and growing business. Our support and expert help ensures a business is in the best position to be a success.”
The Business Gateway Local Growth Accelerator Programme is funded by Argyll and Bute Council and the European Regional Development Fund 2014-20 Structural Funds Programme, with a total programme value of £855,239.
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