Gin festival brought economy boost

Organisers of the fifth annual Stirling Gin Festival earlier this month say it brought more than £250,000 into the local economy.

The event, in the Stirling Highland Hotel, opened its doors to more than 30 gin companies, from newcomers such as Perth Gin and Granite North, to old favourites like Arbikie and Boe.

The festival attracts gin fiends from all over Scotland and the rest of the UK and most years have seen some longdistance pilgrimages by the world’s most dedicated gin drinkers.

Around £70,000 worth of gin was sold by the various brands attending, a 100 per cent increase on last year. With the construction of Stirling Gin’s first distillery well underway at the Top of the Town, organisers Stirling Spirit Co, a sister business of Stirling Gin, hope it will prove to be a boost to tourism in the city.

Co-owner and founder June McCann believes the secret to SGF’s success lies in the creativity of the gin brands. Each year she makes sure that a variety of styles, stories and flavours are represented.

“It just keeps getting bigger and better,”said June.“We are obviously delighted with the sales figures but what’s more important is to see how engaged and happy people are to be sharing in what really is a wonderful industry.”

Stirling Gin Distillery’s manager, Lara Williams said:“This festival really reflects the passion we have for what we’re doing.”

Stirling Spirit Co is now turning its attention to the annual Stirling Whisky Festival from May 10-12, showcasing the best of Scottish distilling and offering two masterclasses for the more complex elements of whisky making.