Gin award is real tonic for Bridge of Allan pair
Family firm Stirling Gin has been named Best New Business at the inaugural Scottish SME Business Awards.
The artisan drink, created by Bridge of Allan couple June and Cameron McCann (pictured with their award), beat off competition from six other entrants to win the coveted title.
The awards were presented at a ceremony in Glasgow’s Crowne Plaza Hotel following nominations from across Scotland and a public vote.
June said:“We don’t know who nominated us for the award but it’s great to think that people out there know about Stirling Gin and care enough to put us forward for an award.
“The fact it was a public vote for the winner makes it very special too and it’s lovely to be appreciated for all the hard work we put into the business.”
Cameron said:“It’s a great honour for us and for Stirling.”
The family firm has gone from strength to strength since the McCanns decided to create their own gin and began experimenting with different botanicals two years ago.
They installed a tiny copper pot still, nicknamed Jinty, in their Bridge of Allan kitchen and set about distilling and blending different combinations eventually settling on their perfect recipe after almost 50 tweaks.
After finalising the recipe, the couple scaled up the quantities and formed a working partnership with Glasgow Distillery to help them with production. The first batch was distilled in October 2015 and the drink was launched at the annual Stirling Gin Festival the following month.
The couple hope to open a distillery and visitor centre in Stirling in the near future so they can produce Stirling Gin in its home city.
The popular drink now sells at a variety of outlets across the UK.