Loch Lomond Group produces, donates hand sanitiser

Independent distiller Loch Lomond Group has started delivering hand sanitiser bottles it produced to support the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Scottish firm has already started working with Fareshare Scotland, who will ensure onward distribution of the bottles.

“We operate one of the largest distilleries in Scotland, and quickly realised that we have both the ability and capacity to produce a significant amount of hand sanitiser which is currently in such high demand,” said Colin Matthews, chief executive at the Loch Lomond Group.

“By partnering with Fareshare Scotland we can ensure that this donation reaches those people in most need across the country.”

The hand sanitiser has been made in line with World Health Organisation guidelines, containing 70% alcohol, at the group’s facilities in Alexandria, Dumbartonshire and Catrine, Ayrshire.

The product has received duty exemption from HMRC for the alcohol content.

The project is supported by two other businesses based in Scotland, with independent ingredients manufacturer MacPhie donating and bottling the 425ml plastic bottles needed to pack the hand sanitiser and DHL Scotland delivering the products free of charge.

Gillian Kynoch, of FareShare Scotland, said: “We are enormously grateful for this donation. Hand sanitisers are essential for our warehouse staff, drivers and volunteers so we can continue to make safe deliveries of food.

“Likewise, the hand sanitisers will be hugely welcomed by the hundreds of community organisations we serve supporting the elderly and vulnerable at home during this very difficult time.”