Latest news with #Scottish-made
Edinburgh Reporter
16-07-2025
- Business
- Edinburgh Reporter
Aldi signs up Summerhall Distillery
Summerhall Distillery is now the exclusive distiller of Aldi's Toradh Gin, becoming the latest Scottish food and drink producer to secure a new listing with Aldi Scotland. The Edinburgh-based distiller, most famous for crafting Pickering's Gin, has been announced as the retailer's newest gin producer and will now be responsible for creating its expertly crafted, Scottish-made Toradh Gin range. Summerhall Distillery was the first new distillery to be built in Edinburgh in 150 years when it was established in 2013. The quirky and creative distillery, located in the old dog kennels at the Old Royal Vet School, now crafts thousands of litres of gin every year, including its classic Pickering's Gin famously inspired by a handwritten Bombay recipe from 1947. The distillery will now take on the exclusive distilling of Aldi's famous Toradh Gin range, bringing six innovative flavours to shelves on all 109 Aldi stores. The smooth and delightful gin is at the heart of Aldi's premium spirits range, offering exceptional alcoholic drinks at fantastically low prices, with a 50cl of Toradh Original costing just £13.99. Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director, at Aldi Scotland said: 'Building on our rich distilling heritage in Scotch whisky, Scotland is now at the forefront of gin production. With more than 90 gin distillers in Scotland, ranging from niche handcrafted blends to major producers exporting globally, Scotland has a unique role in serving the world's gin aficionados. 'Summerhall Distillery is an excellent example of a success story in Scotland's food and drink sector. It was at the cusp of the gin boom in the UK, becoming the first distillery in the capital in over a 150 years, before being joined by many other peers. 'Its commitment to quality, well-crafted spirits has led to a diverse portfolio of gin, whisky, vodka and rum, which are cherished worldwide. We're incredibly proud to partner with such a respected Scottish distiller, known for its innovation and craftsmanship. 'Working alongside Summerhall Distillery, we will continue to serve fantastic Scottish products at our famously low Aldi prices.' Matt Gammell co-founder of Summerhall Distillery, said: 'We're absolutely thrilled to be working with Aldi Scotland as part of its commitment to championing local producers. As one of Edinburgh's earliest gin distilleries in recent years, we've watched the industry flourish and are proud to be part of such a dynamic Scottish drinks scene. 'We're especially proud to see the Torradh Gin range now available to Aldi customers. This is a collection that celebrates the warmth of the Scottish spirit, both in character and in craft. Our shared values of quality, authenticity and a passion for great flavour make this a natural partnership, and we're excited to see where it leads as we continue to grow this range and bring innovative, handcrafted spirits to new audiences.' Head Distiller and co-founder Matt Gammell with the Toradh Gin produced for Aldi Head Distiller and co-founder Matt Gammell with the Toradh Gin produced for Aldi Head Distiller and co-founder Matt Gammell with the Toradh Gin produced for Aldi Head Distiller and co-founder Matt Gammell with the Toradh Gin produced for Aldi Like this: Like Related
The Herald Scotland
25-06-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Edinburgh Royal Mile tourist office to reopen under new management
Alongside providing visitor information and ticket sales for attractions and tours, the new 'Experience Scotland' centre will include a retail element featuring 'Scottish-made products, unlike many existing Royal Mile retailers,' Cobbs Group said. Councillors agreed a 25-year lease worth £150,000 per year for the unit at 249 High Street on Tuesday. After the closures were announced last year, the council considered taking over the running of the tourist office. However, the proposal was scrapped after it emerged it could cost the authority over £500,000 a year at a time when its budget is already under significant pressure. At a meeting last November where the idea was discussed, Councillor Stuart Dobbin, SNP, said: 'We're not in the tourism business.' He added: 'There are organisations that cater to tourists and I think we need to listen to expert organisations in that business such as VisitScotland and they're giving up the visitors' centre for a reason - that they can't make it work and that they've got alternative strategies for communicating with visitors.' A report to councillor this week states: 'Cobbs are an established tourism based retailer which has been in existence for over 30 years. They currently operate four hotels in the Highlands, 12 gift shops in key tourist locations and employ over 500 staff. They have recently taken over two former Visit Scotland premises in Fort William and Aberfoyle. 'The offer will consist of Scottish themed retailing featuring local producers such as Edinburgh Honey Company, Coco Chocolatier, and Red Box tea and coffee. 'The visitor offering will include an interactive area dedicated to providing visitor information and ticket sales for Edinburgh/Scottish attractions and tours. Cobbs have also confirmed that they would be keen to work with tour operators of all sizes to operate a desk within the property, potentially on a rota basis.' Read more: Cobbs said the centre will offer an 'authentic Scottish experience featuring predominantly Scottish-made products, unlike many existing Royal Mile retailers'. Councillor Mandy Watt, Finance and Resources Convener, said: "While more and more visitors are planning their trips to Edinburgh online, you can't beat a warm Scottish welcome face to face. "We believe there remains an appetite for this type of in-person experience for visitors, particularly with the draw of a shop and a café, so I'm pleased that we've been able to secure the visitor information centre's future. "This will prove invaluable as we encourage tourists to visit all parts of the city in all seasons as part of the city's tourism strategy, and as we introduce Edinburgh's Visitor Levy next summer. The lease will also support us to raise income worth £3.5 million over the next 25 years. "Cobbs is well established throughout Scotland with the family nearing 40 years of tourism experience and we're looking forward to welcoming them into the space." Fraser Campbell, managing director of the Cobbs Group, said: "We're well established in Scotland as the Cobbs group and we proudly operate 35 sites across the country. Opening a tourism office in the heart of Edinburgh is a dream and we're excited to take over the lease. Right in the heart of Edinburgh's festival action, it is the ideal site for showcasing everything the city and Scotland has to offer. 'We're particularly keen to highlight local experiences and 'Made in Scotland' items where we can and I'd urge makers and crafters to please get in touch so that we can offer a unique and authentic range for tourists to enjoy on Edinburgh's famous Royal Mile.'
The Herald Scotland
25-06-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Edinburgh Royal Mile tourist office to reopen under new operator
Alongside providing visitor information and ticket sales for attractions and tours, the new 'Experience Scotland' centre will include a retail element featuring 'Scottish-made products, unlike many existing Royal Mile retailers,' Cobbs Group said. Councillors agreed a 25-year lease worth £150,000 per year for the unit at 249 High Street on Tuesday, June 24. After the closures were announced last year, the council considered taking over the running of the tourist office. However, the proposal was scrapped after it emerged it could cost the authority over £500,000 a year at a time when its budget is already under significant pressure. At a meeting last November where the idea was discussed, Councillor Stuart Dobbin, SNP, said: 'We're not in the tourism business.' He added: 'There are organisations that cater to tourists and I think we need to listen to expert organisations in that business such as VisitScotland and they're giving up the visitors' centre for a reason - that they can't make it work and that they've got alternative strategies for communicating with visitors.' A report to councillor this week states: 'Cobbs are an established tourism based retailer which has been in existence for over 30 years. They currently operate four hotels in the Highlands, 12 gift shops in key tourist locations and employ over 500 staff. They have recently taken over two former Visit Scotland premises in Fort William and Aberfoyle. 'The offer will consist of Scottish themed retailing featuring local producers such as Edinburgh Honey Company, Coco Chocolatier, and Red Box tea and coffee. 'The visitor offering will include an interactive area dedicated to providing visitor information and ticket sales for Edinburgh/Scottish attractions and tours. Cobbs have also confirmed that they would be keen to work with tour operators of all sizes to operate a desk within the property, potentially on a rota basis.' Read more: Cobbs said the centre will offer an 'authentic Scottish experience featuring predominantly Scottish-made products, unlike many existing Royal Mile retailers'. Councillor Mandy Watt, Finance and Resources Convener, said: "While more and more visitors are planning their trips to Edinburgh online, you can't beat a warm Scottish welcome face to face. "We believe there remains an appetite for this type of in-person experience for visitors, particularly with the draw of a shop and a café, so I'm pleased that we've been able to secure the visitor information centre's future. "This will prove invaluable as we encourage tourists to visit all parts of the city in all seasons as part of the city's tourism strategy, and as we introduce Edinburgh's Visitor Levy next summer. The lease will also support us to raise income worth £3.5 million over the next 25 years. "Cobbs is well established throughout Scotland with the family nearing 40 years of tourism experience and we're looking forward to welcoming them into the space." Fraser Campbell, managing director of the Cobbs Group, said: "We're well established in Scotland as the Cobbs group and we proudly operate 35 sites across the country. Opening a tourism office in the heart of Edinburgh is a dream and we're excited to take over the lease. Right in the heart of Edinburgh's festival action, it is the ideal site for showcasing everything the city and Scotland has to offer. 'We're particularly keen to highlight local experiences and 'Made in Scotland' items where we can and I'd urge makers and crafters to please get in touch so that we can offer a unique and authentic range for tourists to enjoy on Edinburgh's famous Royal Mile.'
Daily Record
24-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Lanarkshire distillery raises glass to small creators with new craft market
Entrance to the market is free and special distillery tours will run throughout. A prominent Scottish distiller has announced the launch of a new craft market for small creators, held in the grounds of a working Scotch whisky distillery. Jackton Distillery is holding the event on Saturday, July 12, in its grounds. Entrance to the market is free and it will feature a selection of local designers and makers specialising in Scottish-made homewares, skincare, fragrances, artworks and more. Special distillery tours will run throughout the market, and there will be an opportunity for marketgoers to taste the gin, vodka and whisky that is made at the distillery. The distillery have said that they wish to support small businesses, at a time when many are struggling to compete with larger corporations. Jethro Rolland, 30,, the organiser of the market, said: 'Our goal is to highlight just how much creative talent there is in Scotland. We wanted to provide a unique opportunity for local craftspeople, and, at the same time, put on a fantastic day out for customers and tourists. 'We're a family-owned distillery, so we know how difficult it can be to run a small business going up against the big multi-nationals. We received hundreds of applications for stalls, which demonstrates how many talented Scottish creators are out there, just waiting to be discovered.' Jackton Market will make a welcome addition to the vibrant arts and crafts scene in and around Glasgow. The distillery now plan to launch a permanent exhibition space, which will feature artworks by small Scottish artists. Jaynie Kean (27), managing director of Jackton Distillery, said, 'Our family were born and raised in Jackton, and growing up we always wished there were more markets to visit in the area. 'It's a great feeling to be bringing our childhood dream to life.' The next market at Jackton Distillery will be held on Saturday, July 12, and entrance to the market is free. For more information or trader inquiries, visit or contact Jethro at jethro@ Jackton Distillery is a fully independent, family-owned business. The distillery produces craft Scottish gin, vodka, and Scotch whisky, and operate a bar, gift shop and accommodation on site. The distillery is well known for being one of very few Scotch whisky distilleries that is female-led, a rarity in an industry that has long been seen as male-dominated. It runs a number of sustainability projects, including having planted over 38,000 trees in the local area.
Daily Record
13-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Aldi's Scottish gin under £20 named 'best in the world' at awards ceremony
The Scottish-made gin wowed a panel of expert judges with its "elegant" and "classic" flavour profile. Aldi's Còmhla Scottish Gin has been something of a trailblazer. Since its launch a couple of years ago, it has racked up multiple awards and glowing praise. And now it has another win under its belt, as the budget-friendly tipple has just taking home the coveted title as the World's Best Classic Gin at the prestigious World Gin Awards 2025. The acclaimed awards ceremony recognises the very best of the best across a range of lucrative brands, with the German discounter's gin beating out tough competition from over 20 countries including USA, Germany and China. Retailing at a humble £19.99 for a 70cl bottle, the Còmhla Scottish Gin ensures that gin lovers and shoppers will be able to bag premium quality at an affordable price. After a rigorous blind tasting of hundreds of entries across the globe, Aldi's Scottish-made London dry gin managed to wow the expert judging panel with its "elegant" and "classic" flavour profile. The World Gin Awards' description for Aldi's win read: "This gin presents a shy yet clean nose with a hint of dusty elegance and a subtle woody note reminiscent of moss. On the palate, it showcases a classic blend of juniper, coriander, and citrus, accompanied by chilli heat and slight bitterness. While the flavours are complex, they lack full integration, leading to a balanced yet somewhat short and dry finish." Aldi's Còmhla is a classic London dry gin that is crafted in small batches, boasting a well-balanced blend of notes including juniper, coriander and citrus, rounded off with a hint of bitterness. Despite only being launched in 2023, it has already been the subject of significant praise from experts, scooping prizes for its quality and flavour profile and multiple prestigious ceremonies. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. The Scottish-made gin previously bagged the coveted 'Gold' award in the 'premium' Gin Masters category of the 2024 Spirits Business Awards, a ceremony championed by leading spirits specialists. Before it managed to nab the most recent title as "the best in the world", it was previously named "the best in the country" at the 2025 World Drink Awards. Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director at Aldi Scotland, said: "We have had an incredible response for Còmhla both from our loyal customers and the wider drinks industry. To be named the Best Classic Gin in the world is the ultimate honour. "Scotland may be small, but we consistently punch above our weight on the world food and drink stage. To be able to compete at such as high standard and to win, is testament to the craftsmanship and skill of our homegrown suppliers, and to the strength of the longstanding partnerships we have formed with them." Aldi's Còmhla Scottish Gin joins a cabinet of award-winning tipples that can be purchased from Aldi, as the supermarket's Haysmith's Seville Orange & Persian Lime Gin was also voted 'Best in the County' at the same gin awards ceremony in 2024. Costing just £14.99 for a 70cl, this trendy, citrus-based drink isn't just an award-winner, but it is also 46 percent cheaper than Tanqueray's popular Flor De Sevilla Orange which it has been compared to. Aldi's best in the world Còmhla Scottish Gin(70cl) retails at £19.99 and can be bought in all 109 stores across Scotland.
