Distillery’s helping hand

Isle of Harris Distillery has provided high-strength alcohol from the spirit-making process to businesses who can use it to produce much-needed hand sanitiser during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Those benefiting from the donation of the raw spirit include Amanda Saurin of A S Apothecary, who lives in the village of Northton in South Harris, and Essence of Harris in Tarbert.

Ms Saurin has produced 25ml bottles of hand sanitiser spray using the raw spirit, essential oils including rosemary and mint, and microbial ingredients. Lavender oil is included to help calm stressful minds.

A S Apothecary and Essence of Harris’ sanitisers are being distributed for free to care homes, vulnerable people, community shops, NHS workers and other vital services in Harris.

Although the sanitisers are intended for community use, a version of the A S Apothecary sanitiser is available to buy online at £5.25 from www. asapoth.com with proceeds used to cover manufacturing costs.

Quality

Ms Saurin said: ‘As a maker of skincare products, we have years of experience of making gentle, effective preparations. We approached the hand sanitiser in the same way, thinking about which plants would enhance its action and do minimal damage to skin. The alcohol from Isle of Harris Distillery is particularly good because it is excellent quality.

‘We are using the alcohol at 70 per cent ABV which our microbiologist suggests is the optimal level.’

Simon Erlanger, managing director of Isle of Harris Distillers Ltd, said he and his team were pleased to support the hand sanitiser initiatives.

‘It is vital we all keep working together to protect our community at this critical time and we hope this donation of our spirit will play a small part in keeping our key workers and wider island family safe,’ added Mr Erlanger.