Harris Gin shows spirit by handing over sanitiser ingredients
The Isle of Harris Distillery, or the Social Distillery as it is often referred to, has provided high-strength alcohol from the spirit-making process to a number of local businesses to act as a key ingredient in the production of hand sanitiser. Those benefitting from the donation of the raw spirit for this vital product include Amanda Saurin of A.S. Apothecary, who lives in the village of Northton in South Harris and Essence of Harris in Tarbert.
Drawing on her apothecary roots, Amanda has produced
25ml bottles of hand sanitiser spray with essential oils including rosemary and mint, with microbial properties added. Lavender oil is also included to help calm stressful minds. Both A.S. Apothecary and Essence of Harris’ sanitisers are being distributed for free to local care homes, vulnerable people, community shops, NHS workers and other vital services in Harris.
Although the sanitisers are intended for local 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.
Amanda Saurin, Founder of A.S. Apothecary 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 the minimal damage to the skin. The alcohol from the Isle of Harris Distillery is particularly good because it is excellent quality which really helps. We are using the alcohol at 70% ABV which our microbiologist suggests to be the optimal level.”
Simon Erlanger, Managing Director of Isle of Harris
Distillers Ltd, added: “The Harris Distillery team is very pleased to support these two important local initiatives which require a high-strength alcohol as a key ingredient. 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 while we face the challenges which lie ahead."
www.harrisdistillery.com