INVESTMENT

A couple behind plans for the north of Scotland’s first rum distillery are facing a race against time to raise cash for the project after turning to crowdfunding.

Lara and David Beach, of Beach Craft Sp i r i t s , launched an online bid on the Crowdfunder platform to attract £35,000 for setting up their distilling operation at Covesea, on the Moray coast.

But with just over a month to go before the deadline to hit their target runs out, they have only attracted £ 1,800 from 14 backers.

The husband and wife team, who have secured premises for the distillery, near Lossiemouth, described their funding situation as “very frustrating.”

Mrs Beach said: “People are liking and sharing our messages on our social media accounts and we have great footfall to the website, but we just need one final push to encourage people to back us. If we do not get the money by November 9, wewillhave to look at other options.”

Mr Beach, who has a degree in brewing and distilling, 16 years’ experience and latterly worked for drink giant Diageo, added: “One thing that has scuppered us is the licence. We neededto find the premises and the money to secure thembeforewecould apply for the licence.

He added: “We now have wonderful premises and are just waiting on the licence coming through. I’m sure more people will want to invest, but at the moment our hands are tied and that may not happen before the deadline day.”

The couple are offering a range of benefits to backers, who can invest from £15 to £1,000.

Mr Beach said all their backers would get their money back if they failed to make their target.

David and Lara Beach need a cash injection